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.