Fine sunny morning, glassy sea, hospital ship and supply boats lying
close to the beach, not a shot in the air, any sign whatever of Abdul.
Quite a calm peaceful scene. And at a moment's notice the air may be
crowded with screaming shells, the clatter of machine guns, the din of
artillery booming and musketry rattling in such fits and starts is the
action carried on. Spoke to Doctor at 6 a.m. for touch of dysentery.
Treated with table spoon of castor oil and some tablets and light diet
of meal. Medical men very careful with this complaint, fearing serious
outbreak. Our M.O. Capt. "Gertie" Butler awarded D.S.O. The yarn goes
that in the landing, after bandages ran out he tore up his shirt and
puttees.
Some officers with the object no doubt of inspiring
confidence and keeping up the spirits of the men make a practice of
circulating reports that the Tommies will be here tomorrow, that the
(Achi Baba) the big fort had been captured, that the Turks are cut off,
that we have only a day or two more to hang on to this position, that we
will then advance and so forth. Such statements are mistaken and
childish. The men know the real facts and are prepared as hang on grimly
at all costs. They resent any attempt to bury up their spirits by
inaccurate reports. They are Australians and even this trying ordeal
cannot suppress the Australian temperament. All along the line pranks
are played on the nervy Turkish conscripts. Some outposts have a number
of empty tins string together, which they throw out after dark and then
pull back with a sudden rattle, which throws the "Terrible Turk" in a
terrible funk causing him to waste no end of ammunition.
Sunday 31 May 2015
Saturday 30 May 2015
May 30, 1915
Awakened at 3-30a.m. by cheering and "whoo-hoos" which puzzled me.
Thought it came from the water but heard later it was a ruse to draw the
Turks fire, making them believe we were charging. Was in NZ lines
again. Saw Tom Caskey at Headquarters looking well, also W Johnson.
Heard Harold Hay killed by NZ pickets at night while burying dead; they
though he was an enemy as he had his head muffled, and did not answer at
once in reply to the sentry’s challenge. Poor unfortunate chap. At noon
today a coy of 2nd Bat captured a trench in the centre. Enemy bombarded
heavily for two hours, but failed to dislodge them. Casualties - about
150.
Burst, of 4th, 9th, wounded in leg while sleeping in his possie. Shrapnel bullet through my cap which was on bush beside me. Heard the rattle of musketry to the south last night very plainly; the Tommies are getting closer. The warships also are creeping up the coast. We could see the shells from their guns bursting along the shoulder of the big fort. The battle destroyers in the bay are doing great work for us. Always on the move, restless, alert, they harass the enemy’s flanks, and keep his outposts in check with enfilading fire. Tonight is dark, with spitting rain, for some time a crackle of rifle along centre, which died down when moon rose.
Burst, of 4th, 9th, wounded in leg while sleeping in his possie. Shrapnel bullet through my cap which was on bush beside me. Heard the rattle of musketry to the south last night very plainly; the Tommies are getting closer. The warships also are creeping up the coast. We could see the shells from their guns bursting along the shoulder of the big fort. The battle destroyers in the bay are doing great work for us. Always on the move, restless, alert, they harass the enemy’s flanks, and keep his outposts in check with enfilading fire. Tonight is dark, with spitting rain, for some time a crackle of rifle along centre, which died down when moon rose.
Friday 29 May 2015
May 29, 1915 Poem
Last night a sepoy on the tramp
Thought a jam tin bomb was a lamp
So he lighted the fuse and in the morning news
A Lindoo is missing in camp.
Thought a jam tin bomb was a lamp
So he lighted the fuse and in the morning news
A Lindoo is missing in camp.
May 29, 1915
Yesterday evening shipped along to N.Z. lines on left flank. Deep
communication trench cut round trench. Trench follow edge on high ground
-very cliffy in places. Saw Robin Caskey - very fat and looking well.
He told me Tom was all right also young Denis. J. Trotter, W. M'Connell.
Tom Burnett, was killed on the first Sunday at head of gully also C.
Stevenson. Saw young Harold of Timaru (at Cape Helles). Two Frasers here
also Roy Priest. "Flannel" Dunsford posted as missing. 23rd (Timaru)
Regt. lost 140 in landing. Saw N.Z. boy bring down a sniper. At dusk big
body of N.Z. infantry moved out to make attack on flank.
After dark came back with donkeys to 9th lines. Our precious potatoes burst out of bags and spilt down hillside. Short ration of spuds today, 2 little ones each man. At 9 pm destroyers came close inshore and shelled enemy on small bluff near our left. 50 men of D Coy 9th volunteered to capture trench which they did without losing a man: bayoneted a few Turks and brought one in alive. Serg. Kenyon, a good man, led them. Our chaps expected to get machine guns in this outpost but they had been shifted. At 3 a.m. Abdul commenced to drop shells on our gully among the possies. One struck alongside dugout next to ours, peppering waterproof sheets and sending a shrapnel through Corp. Cameron's boot. Next shell killed a poor chap coming into his possie with water. Trenches also knocked about. The 9th lost altogether by sunrise 4 killed. Gilmore, Corp. Prendergast, Jones and Wrigley and 5 wounded including Jack O'Donnell of our Reinforcement. He was struck in shoulder in the trenches and is sent to base hospital. I have his mess tin (1828), blanket and sheet. One chap received razor blade in the head and another was struck by heel-plate of rifle so it seems Abdul is short of shrapnel bullets and is charging his shells with odds and ends.
Further the gunboats nor our batteries seen to be able to silence the guns that are causing so much trouble. Since the submarine scare big cruisers do not come near us, and we miss the protection of their big guns. The Germans are fine marksmen. They have all the ranges to nicety. While raking the beach one day last week a single shell killed 28 mules. In spite of this continual danger men persist in bathing in the most dangerous and exposed spots. Life seems very cheap here. Even the authorities seem very causal and do not take reasonable precautions to avoid unnecessary losses. This morning down to Anzac Cove for fresh water which is supplied by shipping. Heard of Turks mining a trench on the left last night. 19 of our chaps smothered underneath. Trench afterwards retaken (forced back) with the bayonet and one of the enemy's with it. Many casualties. Saw 6 poor fellows laid out for burial on the roof of the hospital - wrapped up in their overcoats -boots and all. Six humble privates and yet they have done more for their country than the most generals plutocrat. They gave their lives - what more could they give!
Posted letters (more to be censored) and "Service" P.C.s.
Noticed Sergt. Gorch get a Timaru Herald in the mail. Will borrow it from him first. Pathetic to see the little heaps of mail for men who will never receive it as some missing, many dead. Major Gen Bridges died at Alexandra on May 19th. Wounded in leg which mortified. Buried with privates by same party. French aeroplane busy bomb dropping daily. The big fort sends up round after round of shrapnel after the Frenchman who eludes it with ease. The shells explode high up and the puffs of white smoke hang in the clear air like silky balloons.
After dark came back with donkeys to 9th lines. Our precious potatoes burst out of bags and spilt down hillside. Short ration of spuds today, 2 little ones each man. At 9 pm destroyers came close inshore and shelled enemy on small bluff near our left. 50 men of D Coy 9th volunteered to capture trench which they did without losing a man: bayoneted a few Turks and brought one in alive. Serg. Kenyon, a good man, led them. Our chaps expected to get machine guns in this outpost but they had been shifted. At 3 a.m. Abdul commenced to drop shells on our gully among the possies. One struck alongside dugout next to ours, peppering waterproof sheets and sending a shrapnel through Corp. Cameron's boot. Next shell killed a poor chap coming into his possie with water. Trenches also knocked about. The 9th lost altogether by sunrise 4 killed. Gilmore, Corp. Prendergast, Jones and Wrigley and 5 wounded including Jack O'Donnell of our Reinforcement. He was struck in shoulder in the trenches and is sent to base hospital. I have his mess tin (1828), blanket and sheet. One chap received razor blade in the head and another was struck by heel-plate of rifle so it seems Abdul is short of shrapnel bullets and is charging his shells with odds and ends.
Further the gunboats nor our batteries seen to be able to silence the guns that are causing so much trouble. Since the submarine scare big cruisers do not come near us, and we miss the protection of their big guns. The Germans are fine marksmen. They have all the ranges to nicety. While raking the beach one day last week a single shell killed 28 mules. In spite of this continual danger men persist in bathing in the most dangerous and exposed spots. Life seems very cheap here. Even the authorities seem very causal and do not take reasonable precautions to avoid unnecessary losses. This morning down to Anzac Cove for fresh water which is supplied by shipping. Heard of Turks mining a trench on the left last night. 19 of our chaps smothered underneath. Trench afterwards retaken (forced back) with the bayonet and one of the enemy's with it. Many casualties. Saw 6 poor fellows laid out for burial on the roof of the hospital - wrapped up in their overcoats -boots and all. Six humble privates and yet they have done more for their country than the most generals plutocrat. They gave their lives - what more could they give!
Posted letters (more to be censored) and "Service" P.C.s.
Noticed Sergt. Gorch get a Timaru Herald in the mail. Will borrow it from him first. Pathetic to see the little heaps of mail for men who will never receive it as some missing, many dead. Major Gen Bridges died at Alexandra on May 19th. Wounded in leg which mortified. Buried with privates by same party. French aeroplane busy bomb dropping daily. The big fort sends up round after round of shrapnel after the Frenchman who eludes it with ease. The shells explode high up and the puffs of white smoke hang in the clear air like silky balloons.
Thursday 28 May 2015
May 28, 1915
Was detailed last night to ration party for Battalion an sent for
Indians with pack mules bringing up stores from the beach. Filled water
bottle at beach with ship's water, which is superior to the well water
here. many graves along shore. Shells burst in A.S.C. depot yesterday
scattering stores and killing many. Seven wounded by sniper at “Casualty
Corner” near Shrapnel Gully. This sniper is causing trouble. He is in a
well concealed "possie" is a good marksman and probably has a silencer
fitted to his rifle.
Tea ration - 1 pint per meal very little water issued.
More Australian landed. Heard that 4 were killed on gunboat by that shell the day we came in. 6 a.m. today drew company's rations, a little fresh beef, cheese, jam, a strip of bacon, 2 potatoes, 2 onions, 6 biscuits per man. Made Irish stew which went high. Very quiet night (moonlight) in trenches. Abdul must be preparing for something. A few prisoners are coming in - giving themselves up as they are sick of it. Deserters are being encouraged to come in as they sometimes give information.
Artillery busy today. After dinner yarning to Black when shrapnel whistled past and struck ridge 40 yards behind us, very close to concealed battery. Immediately another rooted into our rubbish heap - too close to be pleasant. Several dropped in the trenches, breaking down a communication trench. Saw one wounded. 2 of the 9th killed by shell fire. This flank misses the protection the old Triumph gave us before the submarine got her.
One chap said he almost cried when he saw her going down it was like losing an old friend. Today destroyers are patrolling very close to point 3 miles north of us, but without drawing their fire. Enemy is now trying to rake punts taking wounded out to hospital ship.
Tea ration - 1 pint per meal very little water issued.
More Australian landed. Heard that 4 were killed on gunboat by that shell the day we came in. 6 a.m. today drew company's rations, a little fresh beef, cheese, jam, a strip of bacon, 2 potatoes, 2 onions, 6 biscuits per man. Made Irish stew which went high. Very quiet night (moonlight) in trenches. Abdul must be preparing for something. A few prisoners are coming in - giving themselves up as they are sick of it. Deserters are being encouraged to come in as they sometimes give information.
Artillery busy today. After dinner yarning to Black when shrapnel whistled past and struck ridge 40 yards behind us, very close to concealed battery. Immediately another rooted into our rubbish heap - too close to be pleasant. Several dropped in the trenches, breaking down a communication trench. Saw one wounded. 2 of the 9th killed by shell fire. This flank misses the protection the old Triumph gave us before the submarine got her.
One chap said he almost cried when he saw her going down it was like losing an old friend. Today destroyers are patrolling very close to point 3 miles north of us, but without drawing their fire. Enemy is now trying to rake punts taking wounded out to hospital ship.
Wednesday 27 May 2015
May 27, 1915
The Same Old Jam
I wonder why, when rations come
Though we see apple, strawberry, plum
Of all the different kinds they've got
For us its ALWAYS Apricot!
I wonder why, when rations come
Though we see apple, strawberry, plum
Of all the different kinds they've got
For us its ALWAYS Apricot!
May 27, 1915
On sentry:
The rain is trickling down me back
The wind has got a bite
There’s not a smoke left in me pack
God help the Turk I see tonight!
The rain is trickling down me back
The wind has got a bite
There’s not a smoke left in me pack
God help the Turk I see tonight!
May 27 (cont) 1915
They admitted their losses were over 7000. They still hold a very
strong fort to the south, between us and the British who are working
their way across from the point of the Peninsula. The 9th and 12th hold
the Right of the Australian position with flank resting on beach. Left
is held by N.Z. forces base is 1½ miles back by tortuous track up ridges
and down steep gullies. Rather dangerous in day-time, casualties being
frequent. All rations and cans of water are brought up by donkeys after
dark. Daily allowance of water - one pint, which must be boiled owing to
risk of dysentery and cholera; which is prevalent among Turks. Most of
the water came from wells. A limited supply comes ashore in sealed cans
from the shipping.
Ration is biscuit, tinned beef, jam and a little bacon. Lined up at Ninth Hqrs to be allotted to companies.
Am in D Coy 15th platoon with Foster and Gillanders. Detailed for rations fatigue party. Met Tommy Reardon, Tasker, Con O'Connor, May, who we knew in Enoggera. They tell us Bert Swallow was not killed
but is here somewhere. Camped in dugout for the night, and enlarged it
this morning, rigging water proof sheet for overhead cover. Am glad I
brought two blankets. Advised by OC to drink only boiled water, be
careful about sanitation, and economise ammunition. In the trenches a
company takes two days on two days off. Firing is done chiefly at night.
During day it is only sniper who fires.
The Same Old Jam
I wonder why, when rations come
Though we see apple, strawberry, plum
Of all the different kinds they've got
For us its ALWAYS Apricot!
Battleships down at entrance to Dardanelles are heavily engaged this morning. Heard the Majestic is torpedoed. Submarine fired torpedo at one of the destroyers we were on yesterday. 600 saved from Triumph. Saw some of the crew in Lemnos. Under fire some of our chaps looked a bit nervous. I do not mind the whizzing of bullets, but the shrapnel makes us all duck.
Sunday 25th April Will always be a red letter day in Australia. The 9th did great things that Sunday. Destroyers are circling round the bay looking for the elusive submarine. There is an occasional shrapnel from the Turkish positions. One just now scattered the bathers on the beach. A French aeroplane has dropped two bombs on a concealed position with what effect we do not know. Last night slept fully clothed, with 200 rounds of ammo in carriers, equipment ready and rifle handy. Some fellows have not had their boots off at night for three weeks. As for washing you never wash and chance the "grey backs".
This is the real thing.
Ration is biscuit, tinned beef, jam and a little bacon. Lined up at Ninth Hqrs to be allotted to companies.
Am in D Coy 15th platoon with Foster and Gillanders. Detailed for rations fatigue party. Met Tommy Reardon, Tasker, Con O'Connor, May, who we knew in Enoggera. They tell us Bert Swallo
The Same Old Jam
I wonder why, when rations come
Though we see apple, strawberry, plum
Of all the different kinds they've got
For us its ALWAYS Apricot!
Battleships down at entrance to Dardanelles are heavily engaged this morning. Heard the Majestic is torpedoed. Submarine fired torpedo at one of the destroyers we were on yesterday. 600 saved from Triumph. Saw some of the crew in Lemnos. Under fire some of our chaps looked a bit nervous. I do not mind the whizzing of bullets, but the shrapnel makes us all duck.
Sunday 25th April Will always be a red letter day in Australia. The 9th did great things that Sunday. Destroyers are circling round the bay looking for the elusive submarine. There is an occasional shrapnel from the Turkish positions. One just now scattered the bathers on the beach. A French aeroplane has dropped two bombs on a concealed position with what effect we do not know. Last night slept fully clothed, with 200 rounds of ammo in carriers, equipment ready and rifle handy. Some fellows have not had their boots off at night for three weeks. As for washing you never wash and chance the "grey backs".
This is the real thing.
May 27, 1915
On the Gallipoli Peninsula
Landed from Destroyer Grampus yesterday evening at spot Australians stormed on 25th April. We were shelled by enemy's hidden battery with shrapnel. One Destroyer hit (not ours) and 4 killed with 10 wounded among troops. Hard luck to be knocked out before landing. Saw shells bursting on hillside and some killed among dugouts. This position is a series of steep ridges rising straight from the beach partly covered with scrubby bush, partly bare clay and sandstone cliffs. Marvelous how Australians landing party gained a footing on these ridges. Every foot of ground was accurately mapped by Turks with distances marked. Small plots of clear slopes had been cleared of cover to decoy attackers, and then play the hidden machine guns on them. Whole hillside is now a network of dugouts, appearing like a gigantic rabbit warren. Fairly safe from shellfire except lucky shots. Ninth Btn is entrenched on top of ridge about 1½ miles from landing beach at headquarters. Trenches are well built with overhead protection and sandbag loop holes for lookouts. Entanglements in front. Heard of big night attack by Turks in force last Wednesday night. They came on in droves with white robed priests leading shouting their eternal "Allah, allah." Our line reserved its fire till they reached the entanglements and then poured in rapid fire mowing them down in heaps. Turks asked for armistice later and 3000 dead were buried in front of our trenches the other day.
Landed from Destroyer Grampus yesterday evening at spot Australians stormed on 25th April. We were shelled by enemy's hidden battery with shrapnel. One Destroyer hit (not ours) and 4 killed with 10 wounded among troops. Hard luck to be knocked out before landing. Saw shells bursting on hillside and some killed among dugouts. This position is a series of steep ridges rising straight from the beach partly covered with scrubby bush, partly bare clay and sandstone cliffs. Marvelous how Australians landing party gained a footing on these ridges. Every foot of ground was accurately mapped by Turks with distances marked. Small plots of clear slopes had been cleared of cover to decoy attackers, and then play the hidden machine guns on them. Whole hillside is now a network of dugouts, appearing like a gigantic rabbit warren. Fairly safe from shellfire except lucky shots. Ninth Btn is entrenched on top of ridge about 1½ miles from landing beach at headquarters. Trenches are well built with overhead protection and sandbag loop holes for lookouts. Entanglements in front. Heard of big night attack by Turks in force last Wednesday night. They came on in droves with white robed priests leading shouting their eternal "Allah, allah." Our line reserved its fire till they reached the entanglements and then poured in rapid fire mowing them down in heaps. Turks asked for armistice later and 3000 dead were buried in front of our trenches the other day.
Tuesday 26 May 2015
May 26, 1915
4 torpedo destroyers came alongside to transfer us to the Dardenelles, 4
hours journey. Trip unsafe for Derflinger as 3 German submarines out.
Australians lost 900 taking Big Hill. Living on dry rations - biscuits,
bully beef - jam, since leaving Alexandria. Will be glad to get bit of
bread again. Saw survivors from Triumph brought in by destroyers.
Monday 25 May 2015
May 25, 1915
Arrived at Island of Lemnos about 2500 on board - of different units.
Heard Jack Dalgiesh wounded in shoulder. Fine harbour here - over 60
steamers, 12 warships. Heard Triump torpedoed. Australians took Big
Hill.
(The
island of Lemnos was held by Greece, which was technically neutral.
However, Allied troops occupied the island and used it to prepare for
the April campaign and many returned during the following months. )
Saturday 23 May 2015
May 23, 1915
Left Alexandria. Next day man overboard. The wounded we speak to are all
eager to get back into it again. (I don’t think). Six months later,
some of them not back yet. Many seem to have been knocked out shortly
after going into action.
May 23, 1915
Left Alexandria. Next day man overboard. The wounded we speak to are all
eager to get back into it again. (I don’t think). Six months later,
some of them not back yet. Many seem to have been knocked out shortly
after going into action.
Friday 22 May 2015
May 22, 1915
Trained to Alexandria (100 of us), Lieut Arrell in command. Boarded
Derflinger. Heard Wiltshire torpedoed (2500 on board) (incorrect).
Had a few hours in Alexandria, dined at French buffet. Oysters at 2 piastres a plate.
Notes (The Derflinger was a captured German passenger ship, used as a troop ship to carry wounded from Gallipoli to Alexandria and then troops back to the peninsula.
http://ahoy.tk-jk.net/Letters/GermanMerchantshipSSDerfl.html
Had a few hours in Alexandria, dined at French buffet. Oysters at 2 piastres a plate.
Notes (The Derflinger was a captured German passenger ship, used as a troop ship to carry wounded from Gallipoli to Alexandria and then troops back to the peninsula.
http://ahoy.tk-jk.net/Letters/GermanMerchantshipSSDerfl.html
Thursday 21 May 2015
Tuesday 19 May 2015
Monday 18 May 2015
May 31, 1915 poem
In ancient times, so hist’ry says
Men had cave dwelling habits
And now once more, on this steep shore
We live in holes like rabbits.
Men had cave dwelling habits
And now once more, on this steep shore
We live in holes like rabbits.
May 29, 1915 Advertising...
Adv. in our local paper, “The Dinkum Oil”
To let. For the duration of the war, a fine dugout, healthy position, good shooting, owner leaving for field hospital.
To let. For the duration of the war, a fine dugout, healthy position, good shooting, owner leaving for field hospital.
Sunday 17 May 2015
May 17, 2015
Disembarked at Suez. Many Indian troops there. 6 hour train journey to Cairo, 2 mile tramp to Helmiah Camp, Zeitoun.
Wednesday 13 May 2015
May 13,1915
Sighted mainland of Africa. Lecture by Chaplain Maxwell on Red Sea and Egypt. Red Sea 1300 miles long, Gulf of Suez 170, canal from sea to sea 87, canal proper 66. Yesterday passed vicinity of Jeddah, port of Mecca 50 miles inland. Also Suakim where Kitchener disembarked for Khartoum campaigns.
Monday 11 May 2015
May 11, 1915
Right in track of commerce saw many boats sighted today, passed “Twelve Apostles” a group of islands, this morning. Weather warm. Some more dead horses. Some thieves on board. I am minus hat, cap, and towels. Some cases of measles on board. May be quarantined at Port Said. One bad case before reaching Colombo but kept secret. Health of troops generally good, but some bad coughs among them. I spend much time in the bow of the boat getting the breeze and watching porpoises and flying fish disporting themselves. Sight an occasional Arab Scow with a peculiar long sail. Had some practice traversing and map making. Made protractor by cutting out illustration of one in manual and pasting a half on each side of strip of cardboard.
Sunday 10 May 2015
May 10, 1915
4 am passed Aden, lights in distance. Some hours later passed Perim Island, fortified barren looking blotched with arid mountainous country to right. In afternoon passed British Patrol sloop. After sundown saw Arabian city of Mocha some miles away. Had sun shining on its brown walls. Looked very interesting.
Saturday 9 May 2015
May 9, 1915
Was awake very early. Must have “smelt” the land. Sighted mainland of Arabia. Red Sea tomorrow. Church parade in uniform. Drummer, cornet and organ “Lusitania” wireless re loss of Lusitania.
(The passenger liner Lusitania was torpedoed by a German U-boat on May 7. 1 198 of the over 1900 crew and passengers on board perished.Debate raged as to whether it was a legitimate target. The huge number of civilian casualties was a shock.)
Thursday 7 May 2015
May 7, 1915
Paid 10/-. Passed Island of Scotia - rocky, hilly and barren in appearance.
(probably Socotra, part of an archipelago of four islands in the Indian Ocean off the Horn of Africa and south of the Arabian Peninsula.)
(probably Socotra, part of an archipelago of four islands in the Indian Ocean off the Horn of Africa and south of the Arabian Peninsula.)
Tuesday 5 May 2015
Saturday 2 May 2015
May 2, 1915
Left with Wiltshire at 6am. Passed lighthouse on Island S of India that night. Steaming only 10 1/2 knots on Japanese coal. Poor quality.
Friday 1 May 2015
May1, 1915
Excitement to get war news. Arrived Colombo daylight. Coaling all day. Bought coins, silk kerchiefs. Posted mail, no leave. Many broke it.
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