6 July 1915

In support trenches. Letter from Mary dated 16th April. More shelling this evening. Some of the “Glesco” Territorials belonging to the Howitzer battery hit. 10th Btn leaving for Imbros tonight to spell. 16th left yesterday. Said that monitor silenced big howitzer (11 inch) this morning early, 10th Btn, who are spelling in the galleries, we left on Sunday, had 1 killed, 20 wounded by shrapnel this evening, narrow escape myself. Shell cap went “plunk” over my shoulder. Allen of 15th Platoon had finger cut off by sniper bullet while holding periscope. Flynn issued with loaded rifle blew off finger of left hand (another “accident”?)

5 July 1915

4 hours sapping in ‘B’ tunnel which is a drive down into ‘Allah’ Gully. Is for an  outpost for observation and bomb throwers, and will be link with firing line on next ridge when completed. New howitzers brought up by enemy throwing eleven inch shell. Fired 4 rounds into Shrapnel gully, but not yet located by our Artillery. Had a great win tonight. Discovered parcel of tinned stuff for sale on beach, and bought the lot – pineapple and salmon 2/- a tin, jam 1/-. Hurried back to the trenches and we had a feast right away. Maori contingent landed, a fine body of men. Searched up Walkers gully searching for Gabities brother among NZ boys without success. Sadd-a-bahr heavily bombarded from Asiatic and Kilid Bahr sea base followed by attack which cost Turks 500 killed. 12 inch shells came from Turkish battleship in Straits. One lobbed near Indians in Shrapnel Gully. Issued with a few dates – 6 per man

4 July 1915

Resting all day. A big mail but nothing for me. Cruiser shelled some objective in direction of Chana early this morning. Two mines exploded on crest of Achi Baba at noon. How constantly and wistfully we watch the top of that ridge waiting for the Tommies to come over. Trenches along this Brigade much battered about by shellfire today. Two of ours wounded. Saw one killed around corner, part of 11th Btn.

3 July 1915

Four hours sapping then in firing line all night. Miserable night as there was not sufficient room to lie down and sleep is impossible. Heavy shower of rain. Turkish sniper knocked sandbag out of loophole and also nearly hit periscope. Heard patrol dogs barking and the cry of Turks wounded by some Lyddide the destroyers poured in.

2 July 1915

 Two of D Coy hit by shrapnel, one Lake, broken arm. More heavy firing on Achi Baba. Shower at night, “Stand to” at 3am. On duty all night.

1 July 1915

 9th relieved 10th Btn in their line of trenches. 13th Platoon in firing line. Viewed ridges in front through periscope as snipers busy. Counted nine bodies of our boys lying on slope in a small space. Boots and tunics, equipment etc. stripped off them. On Monday some of them got right up to the Turks trench, and are lying out there still just as they fell. The trench can be enfiladed from Gala Tepe, so if we are bombarded things will be lively in here. One of C. Coy wounded by shrapnel already. Large numbers of NZ wounded on beach last night. Heard that many Turks captured at Quinns Post. All Jettys except the new Pier washed away by high wind and sea.

Inscription on a grave on Shrapnel Green:-
Reflect, old friend, as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I,
As I am now, so you shall be,
Prepare you then to follow me.

Saw Pearcy of C Coy brought out of firing line with trigger finger blown off – accidentally (?). Reported that Turks lost 1500 killed on Achi Baba last night.

Grave Inscription on Shrapnel Green

Inscription on a grave on Shrapnel Green:-
Reflect, old friend, as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I,
As I am now, so you shall be,
Prepare you then to follow me.