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Received appointment to force
Reported at
Arrived in camp, Awapuni,
Entrained for Wellington and embarked
on “Arawa”
Farewell ceremony by Governor
and citizens, Newtown Park,
Transports moved into stream
4 pm same day.
Recv'd orders to postpone sailing
Returned to wharf
all horses disembarked and
Mtd. Rifles & Artillery moved to camps
Auckland transports arrived
in Wellington harbour, and
others went into the stream
at 4 p.m. Huge crowds &
great send off.
I returned to
town on duty returning to ship
at 4 pm.
“Left Harbour at 6 a.m. the
“Minotaur” then the “Ibuki”
leading. Then followed the
‘Psyche’. Manganui HawkesBay,
then ‘Philomel’ Arawa
Athenic Orari Ruapehu Waimana
On clearing the straits the
Minotaur took the lead
the Ibuki the right flank
the Philomel the left flank.
The transports then formed
two lines in the order stated,
the Arawa leading the port
line and the Maunganui the
starboard, at 8 cable lengths apart
Friday was a perfect day
with a smooth sea and
the sight was magnificent.
All except sidelights were
darkened at night and the
warships were in total
darkness
Morning broke fine but
windy with considerable sea
most of us feeling effects to
more or less extent.
very little work done — most
men lying on deck in a blanket
Most officers also confined to
cabins. Ships run for day
250 miles.
Still strong wind & heavy sea
dining saloon has no attractions
Maunganui — opposite us —
repeatedly taking seas over bows
— our ship is steadier but
certainly moves enough for
most of us. Divine service
at 10 am. I was not there
We receive brief war news
by wireless each day.
Ships run for day 228 miles.
Fine bright morning smooth
sea but heavy swell.
Returned fit for duty today
and feeling as well as ever.
Several whales sighted.
Ships run to noon (24 hrs) 259 miles
Expect reach Hobart about
Wednesday afternoon.
Several more whales
close to ship spouting
like geysers. Also school
of porpoises. Otherwise
uneventful day.
Fine morning rather
more choppy sea but
that doesn't trouble us
now. Ships run to noon
today (24 hrs) 263 miles.
Received orders re landing
at Hobart and route
march for two hours on
Thursday morning.
Another fine day and calm
sea. Sighted land daybreak
and now entering bay 9 am.
1st division moved ahead at
this hour preceded by warships
Very pretty scene going up
harbour, anchored at noon.
Wed. Oct 21st
Race in lifeboats in afternoon.
Crews from various arms on
“Arawa”. Won by artillery crew.
Berthed at 6 pm. no shore
leave. Tas. A & P Show day.
Beautiful day.
Route marched round city of
Hobart 8 am to 11 am.
Splendid reception by public
great crowds witnessed re-
ation
when ships hauled out 12-30 pm
Anchored in stream until 3 pm
then left for Albany.
Hobart very interesting but
drought on and everything
parched up at present.
Morning fine but windy
heavy roll on ship. Very
foggy last night. Whistle
blew at intervals disturbing
our sleep. Left the Hawkes
Bay (no. 9) in Hobart for
minor repairs. She is to
pick us up later, escorted
by Pyramus. The H. Bay
picked up today. Ships run
3 pm yesterday to noon today
198 miles
Southerly wind, fairly calm
sea. Began rifle shooting
practice at target towing
behind ship. Another
warship is now with
our escort, probably an
Australian cruiser. Ship's
run for day (noon to noon)
258 miles. First issue
of the “Arrower” military
publication produced today.
Fine weather quiet
uneventful day. Divine
service 10 a.m.
Ships run 274 miles.
1 casualty. lost a horse
the first from this ship.
Beautiful summers' day
but very heavy swell
causing steady roll.
First fatality amongst the
force occurred today when
a man named Gilchrist died
on “Ruapehu”.
Ships run 262 miles.
Gilchrist buried at sea
with military honours at 4 pm.
Had small birthday
party in cabin 10 pm.
Misty rain & heavy sea
roughest day out so far
but not very severe
warm atmosphere
Ships run 273 miles
246 to run to Albany
Fine morning and
calm sea. Land in
sight at daybreak. Should
drop anchor at Albany
about 11 O' clock. Duly
arrived and anchored in outer
harbour (King George's Sound).
Magnificent sight of five
warships and about forty
transports anchored in stream
Boat race in afternoon.
Artillery crew again won
Infantry second.
Was awakened
by gun being fired from warship
The merchant steamer Essex
had a shot fired over her for
entering harbour against signals.
Another fine & warm day
visited some of Australian
transports in ships' boat.
Quiet day in harbour
expect to go in to wharf
tomorrow. Staying here until
Sunday. “Ibuki” “Philomel”
& Pyramus left port yesterday
apparently on reconnoitering
duty.
Easy routine day. Afternoon
took party out in boat
visited HMS Melbourne
We will not now berth
at Albany. Leave port Sunday
very fine weather still
continues
There's nothing much in
the diary yet but there
may be later on.
Very fine morning
light showers in afternoon
but atmosphere very hot.
Another easy day and
uneventful.
Left port
preceded by HMS “Minotaur”
and the Australian squadron
of transports. We were lying
at entrance & had magnificent
view of Australian ships as
they passed in line. On
clearing heads they formed
up in 3 lines 10–9–9 and
we retain our formation
covering the intervals of
the Aust. lines, — in rear.
We now hear from “Minotaur”
that we do not go to
Colombo, but via the Cape.
Wireless from warships
advise Britain declared war
on Turkey. Glorious sunny
morning leaving port but
windy in afternoon. Covered
29 miles up to noon. The
fine moonlight night brought
a magnificent sight and
one to be remembered. It
was not necessary to move
without lights near land
and the whole fleet — some
of them lighted up like
a beautiful & unique spectacle.
There are 28,000 troops
on the ships in the fleet
and I suppose about 5000
men in the crews. Full
moon tonight and clear weather
& with all the ships, one of
the most beautiful sights
imaginable.
Light showers & choppy sea
still heading N. towards Fremantle.
Ships run 223 miles.
Strong wind & heavy sea.
Sea sickness again prevalent
amongst the weaker subjects.
Still heading North altho'
we have passed Fremantle
remainder of the transports
and convoy. Much discussion
about route we will take
but understand it will be
via Table Bay. We must soon
know in any case.
Ships run 221 miles.
We are not making nearly
as good runs as before we
joined Australians.
Choppy sea — fine weather
very heavy swell.
Now informed that we keep
on this course & go via
Colombo. All pleased as
route shorter & more interesting.
Ships run 219 miles
Glorious day but rather
too warm. very calm sea.
Wrestling championship at
sports yesterday. won by
Corp. Robertson — £ 10 prize.
Orient liner “Osterley” from
Fremantle to Colombo sighted.
Warships signalled her to
join the convoy. She steamed
in close to Arawa 6 pm.
Expect she will be detained
to travel with us.
Concert held tonight. Very
good programme & successful
Ships run to noon 241 miles.
Another fine day — usual
routine. “Osterley” has
been allowed to proceed
so I think the course
must be clear.
Ships run 256 miles
Glorious weather but
warmer every day. Received
news of naval engagement
off
Temperature 90° in shade
Ships run 249 miles
Very warm again but
cooling showers fell for
a few minutes. Details
of naval action off Chile rather
depressing, but we can't hope
for success always. On
information received, probably
from
a westerly direction. In
evening we received wireless
from
ship was in the vicinity.
We passed East of Cocos
about 40 miles instead of
usual westerly course.
Ships run 237 miles.
Very fine & almost too
hot to do anything.
7 am wireless from
stated foreign ship entering
harbour & asking for help.
The message was being
apparently interrupted by
another ship, and the
‘Emden’ was the ship referred
to. The cruiser “Sydney”
left at full speed, flames
& smoke belching from her
4 funnels. We are now left
with HMS “Melbourne” and
Jap. “Ibuki”. These ships
10 am are flying flags
for action and transports
have been ordered to keep
up full steam. Our escort
is now steaming on the
western flank of squadron
10.45 am. Wireless from
“Sydney” that she engaged
“Emden” which had to run
ashore to prevent sinking.
“Sydney” lost 2 killed and
pursuing a collier. The
action took place only
50 miles from us. The
wireless operation on this
ship “Arawa” was the only
one to decipher the Cocos
Island call for help. —
News received on board
with great enthusiasm —
“Minotaur” also now at Cocos
Island and reports she is
returning to us.
Ships run today 235 miles
Since news of “Emden” being
destroyed “Minotaur” has
again gone off to west.
She advises “Sydney” will
remove Emden's guns and
Germans at
Faulkner
Coy who is a telegraphist
and we have put on wireless
duty was the man who
got the call from
Some distinction for us for
even the warships did not
get the call except from
the “Arawa”.
Today is again fine and
very sultry. sea smooth.
Ships run 250 miles.
Another day of tropical sun.
very smooth sea.
General Godley on behalf
of N.Z Force congratulated
HMAS “Sydney” on success
of her first engagement on
Monday & the baptism under
fire of the
Ships run 244 miles
We have just received
the depressing news that
all mail will now be
censored and we can't say
much therefore about our doings
I will have to post all my
records at a later date.
Again fine with calm sea.
Armed merchantman “Empress
of Asia” passed on her way
to
with the clearing up after
sinking of the “Emden”
us in morning and signalled
“Goodbye N.Z Squadron and
Good luck.” During night
another ship passed — said
to be British armed merchantman.
Ships run 256 miles.
Informed today that mail
may be posted at Colombo
but it will be delayed,
except
containing no information of
military value will be
immediately dispatched.
Crossed the Equator during
last night Long. 85°. Heavy
tropical rain fell in night and
continued through out the day.
HMS Hampshire an
7.5″ guns joined us 8 am.
In order to expedite the
stay in Colombo the N.Z ships
with 2 of the Australians
are going ahead escorted
by this cruiser. The “Ibuki”
brings on the rest which
as a squadron is slower
than we are.. —
Dr. Home operated on
McDowell of our regiment, for
appendicitis.
Initiation ceremony of
“Crossing the Line” today.
Distressing accident occurred
when Lieut. (Dr) Webb dived
into bath & struck bottom &
sustained hemorrhage of the
spine. Little hope of recovery.
Ships run 259 miles.
Glorious day, sea like glass,
extremely clear atmosphere &
beautiful cloud effects all
day. Saw shoals of flying
fish all day long.
Ships run 255 miles.
“Hampshire” has apparently
gone on ahead to Colombo.
Ships run 255 miles.
— To Colombo 225 miles.
Sighted land at daybreak.
Moored in inner harbour at
9-30 am. on beautiful day.
Australian squadron arrived
about 2 pm & anchored in
the stream. Large amount
of shipping in port, many
steamers having been held
was captured. “Empress of Russia”
arrived with the German wounded
and H.M.S ‘Sydney’ brought the
prisoners who were uninjured from
133 killed about 30 wounded
& 155 prisoners. The latter
have been distributed on our
ships for transport to England.
“Arawa” has 1 officer 2 warrant
officers & 30 men (prisoners
from Emden) The captain was
among the rescued & is on the
Orvieto Lieut. Haas, who
speaks excellent English is on
this ship, so we have now a
detailed & accurate account
of the cruise of the “Emden”
Very nice man & being well
treated — living in our officers'
quarters as one of us.
The warrant officers & men
also in same conditions as ours
except they are always under
a guard. Haas states Sydney
got range to Emden in about
5 rounds and then swept
their decks completely. Awful
scene such as he never wishes
to see again. Russian cruiser
“Askold” in Colombo today
& British cruiser Yarmouth besides
our escort of 34 warships.
Went ashore from 12 to
5 o'clock. Most interesting
place, and exactly as described
in pictures I have seen. Several
very fine European hotels and
shops in modern style — but
essentially Eastern & entirely
native attendants. Did the
town per “rickshaw”. Lt. Webb
operated on in
little hope of his recovery —
Still in port. Extremely hot
day. Ashore from 11 am to 6 pm
Visited places of interest per
motor car. Inspected Bhuddist
Temple, Gardens, Native quarter
and other places. About 6000
N.Z troops on leave today
and all seemed delighted to get
ashore. Moved out into the
stream 6 pm. Dr. Short joined
“Arawa” in place of Dr. Webb.
Left Colombo 12 noon with
“Hampshire” as escort. Some of
Australian ships remained to sail
later in day with “Ibuki”.
News of death of Lord Roberts
was received on Sunday 15th.
Beautiful weather, very calm sea
& light S. breeze. Sighted
land (Cape Comorin) as we passed,
(7 am). Received wireless news
of death of Lieut. Webb at
Colombo at 2:30 pm.
M.O. commenced inoculation of
troops against typhoid fever.
Ships run - 245 miles.
Very fine & smooth sea.
Lieut. Webb buried at Colombo
with military honours.
Memorial service on board
at 2 pm by Capt. Dobson.
I was inoculated against Typhoid.
This causes varying degrees
of faintness and pain in
and many of the men look
rather sickly in consequence.
Ships run 242 miles.
Beautiful day — sea smooth
light N. breeze. Work suspended
for two or three days to allow
men to recover from inoculation
I was not badly affected &
was over the trouble within 48
hrs. Held mock court martial
(D.C.M.). president:- Col. Johnston R.A.
Maunganui, Arawa, Star of India
& Athenic, with 10 Australian
ships & the cruiser “Ibuki”
increased speed to 13 knots and
will coal at Aden before
the remainder arrive.
Ships run 254 miles.
Fine day & calm sea
Hove to at 9-30 am while
burial of Lewis of Ambulance
Corps took place from the
Maunganui. The Australian
ships Ascanius & Shropshire
collided during Friday night
each received slight damage
are are able to proceed.
Ships run 291 miles.
Glorious day but a little
more sea on owing to a
monsoon passing in the night.
Very heavy rain fell for
about an hour during the
disturbance.
Ships run 292 miles.
Beautiful weather, smooth sea
Island of Socotia was
sighted at daybreak.
Ships run 289 miles.
A perfect day, remarkably
smooth sea, without a breath
of wind until afternoon.
Sighted land (Arabia) on
starboard quarter. Porpoises to
be seen in shoals disporting
themselves. Ships run 296 miles.
The most beautiful sunset
this evening, seen during
the voyage. Cloudless sky
clear & moonlight night.
Arrived at Aden at daybreak & anchored
in the stream. H M S
Sydney left port at 6-30 am
said to be in pursuit of Turkish
gunboat in
at Manganui at 9-30 am
with returns as ordered. No
shore leave allowed to anyone.
Shot from fort gun was fired
over bows of “Arawa” as we did
not drop anchor quite soon
enough this morning. The
projectile struck the water just
ahead and rather scared some
of the men. Thirteen English
Transports with Territorial
troops for India are also
in stream here. The fleet at
anchor is therefore 51
a number of merchantmen, a
very imposing spectacle.
The slower squadron of our
ships arrived during afternoon.
Aden from the sea is a
sandy rocky desert waste
especially on such a hot day,
but the harbour scene at
evening was magnificent.
Received copies of Reuters'
cabled war news of the
last ten days.
Left port (Aden) at 6 am
together with whole of
Aust. & NZ transports preceded
by HMS Hampshire.
Jap. “Ibuki” remained in port
English transports to Bombay.
Passed a number of merchant
ships on the way to
Perim Is. at entrance to Red
Sea. Farewell messages
exchanged between Maunganui
& Ibuki. Passed Perim Island
& entered
Ships run to noon 58 miles
Perim Island desolate place
no sign of vegetation, but it is
British coaling base & fortified
to command straits, which are
called “Hell's Gates”. Again a
magnificent sunset behind
the rugged coastline of Africa.
Usual tropical day, as
hot as ever. Smooth sea.
About 20 ships some of
passed South last night and
today. The Red Sea seems
alive with ships. Ship's run
272 miles. We were getting
too far ahead of the Australians
& slowed to 8 knots this evening
as N. Z. Convoy is now leading.
Gorgeous sunset in a cloudless
sky.
Red Sea.
Extremely hot day. Temp.
in my cabin 96°, sea water
temp. 86°. Engine room 120°.
passed numbers of ships but
are not permitted to communicate.
Received notice to be prepared
for any eventuality re
disembarkation and interpret
same to mean that we
Second inoculation commenced.
Ships run 253 miles.
Maunganui & Orvieto
went on ahead to Suez
leaving Arawa as flagship
of N.Z. squadron.
Welcome North wind sprang
up last night & continued
through day. Atmosphere now
cool & pleasant. Choppy sea.
I was inoculated second
time. Ships run 250 miles.
Fine day with strong Northerly
wind & choppy sea. We
from the hot zone for the
present and matters are much
more pleasant. The second
inoculation affected me rather
more than previous one but
only for about 24 hours.
Information today that
we go on to
Entered Gulf of Suez about
3 pm and ships formed single
line, “Arawa” leading.
Chaplains are much interested
in view to starboard (Mt. Sinai)
Ships run 245 miles
— To Suez 228 m.
Anchored at Suez 8 am.
Fine day northerly breeze.
Suez is pretty & picturesque
Orders received here to
proceed to Alexandria and
disembark. German prisoners
were transferred to HMS
Hampshire, which ship proceeds
to England. We entered the
canal at 1 pm followed
by other NZ ships then
the Australians. Disembarkation
orders from Lt. General Sir
Jas. Maxwell commanding
forces in Egypt received at
Suez. We go into camp at
Zeitun near Cairo and
Australians at Mena — a
few miles distant. One staff
officer from each brigade
proceeded by rail, Suez to
Cairo to arrange camps.
Canal is picqueted every
few miles mostly by
exchanged greetings as we
passed. In consequence of
the recent disturbance by Turks
in vicinity of Canal we
have armed guards on duty
and an 18 pr Q.F. field gun
mounted on boat deck, besides
2 machine guns ready for action.
Bright moonlight for trip
through Canal, & pleasant passage
with possibility of being fired
upon just to make it interesting.
Each ship is fitted with a
searchlight in bow for navigating
the Canal, which is barely 100 yds
in width in many places.
Arrived at Port Said
12-30am & commenced
coaling by natives.
Went on board Maunganui
9-30am. Three French warships
and two British (“Swiftsure” &
another) in port and a
large amount of merchant
shipping. Gurkha & Sikh
Regiments in camp ashore
No sign of enemy through
Canal trip. Left port
for Alexandria 3-30 pm
amid scenes of tremendous
enthusiasm when passing
Warships & Transports.
Port Said pretty place
& interesting to a visitor
Fine day and weather
now much cooler.
Arrived off Alexandria at
dawn & moored at 10 am
at 2 pm but will not
disembark until Saturday.
Great deal of shipping here
and about 25 steamships
captured from Germans and
Austrians since war began.
Went ashore this evening
to Club de Anglais of which
we have been made hon.
members. The best quarter
of the city is very well
built and very fine at
night when all lit up as
I saw it tonight. But the
native areas about 2 miles
of which I passed in a cab
going to the wharves, have
narrow streets, most evil
smelling, and cafés, saloons
and open bars etc galore.
horses & military stores goes on
and trains for Cairo leave
every hour or two.
Showery day but rain does
not last long as only
about 2 inches fall during
a year. Unloading of stores
& troops goes on. Ruahine
Coy & portions of H. Bay Coy
with reg'l camp equipment
entrained for Cairo during
afternoon. I went into city
in evening & visited the
Khedivial Club, a splendidly
equipped private institution.
Also went through town this
morning and lunched at
English Club.
Unloading of stores and
transport continues. I
went into town this morning
& expect to entrain for
Zeitun camp in evening.
Showery morning but
cleared up before noon.
On leave afternoon and
drove round the city of
Alexandria
The remainder of our
reg't. entrained at noon
for Cairo. Morning was
occupied in entraining of
stores & equipment from “Arawa”
Arrived Cairo at(121 miles)
at 5.30 pm and at Zeitun
marched in to camp (about
1 mile from station).
Camp
is situated on a desert
waste but just bordering
on the suburbs of the city
with train & electric tram
service within a few minutes
walk from camp. The trams
are very luxurious, fast &
silent & the finest cars
I have seen. There are two
classes & soldiers are charged
only 1 piastre (2 ½) 1st class
& ½ piastre 2nd class for the 6
mile run. Train fares are
also very reasonable and
concessions are made to troops.
We carried our blankets
from the station and
first night as transport
for tents was not available
Day was occupied in
pitching camp and
settling down. As far
as one can see looking
to the East (away from
the city) there is nothing
but desert. This is our
training area. The ground
is a gravelly sand just
loose enough to make
walking heavy going &
not a vestige of growth
to be seen. A large force
of English Territorials are
camped close to us and
months. They expect to go to
the front any time now.
They are Manchester & East
Lancashire Regt's. Infantry &
artillery.
Easy day to allow men to
settle down. Prohibition of liquor
in camps is now done away
with & canteens are established
as in English camps.
Railways here are run on
English lines & seem to be
splendidly organised. A double
line runs from Cairo to Alexandria
Visited Cairo “Kursaal” Theatre
in evening. The men are
allowed leave everyday from
5 pm to 9.30 pm
Heavy showers of rain
fell at intervals, and is
very welcome but we may
now have no more for
months as this locality
is practically rainless.
Began training in earnest
again today & the battalion
is shaping very well indeed.
Fine weather again but
nights here are very cold.
Training as usual.
News of destruction of
German warships,
Gniesenan & Leipzig at Falkland
Is. by British squadron under
Vice Ad.
Company training. —
Coy. of Ceylon Infantry
today attached to our batt'n
and are camped with us.
Brigade Training in morning and
easy afternoon in camp.
Divine service 9 - 30 a.m.
general leave from 11 am. I
visited Pyramids & Sphinx. Lunched
at Grand Continental & dined at
pretty drive from town to Pyramids
Battalion training — I have
bad attack of influenza and
Quiet day. Taranaki Coy being
on brigade fatigue duties. I
am still nursing the influenza.
I stayed in camp owing to
severe cold. Coy did usual
training in the field.
I remained in camp.
— Usual battalion & company
training was carried out.
Went out on company
training. News received of
shelling of Scarboro' &
pool
several hundred casualties
on British coast.
Egypt proclaimed a British
Protectorate. Prince Hussein
Kamel Pasiha as Sultan.
Platoon training to noon,
half holiday as usual from
1 pm. I visited Cairo
Zoological Gardens which
I very much admired.
Dined at Shepheards' with
Wellington Battn' with
other troops left camp
where we lined the streets
for the procession and
ceremonies of formally
proclaiming the Sultan.
Marched back to camp
(7 miles) arriving 12-30 pm
Sunday afternoon free.
Stayed in camp for a rest
this afternoon. Proclaiming
of Egypt a protectorate seemed
to be taken kindly and
with satisfaction generally
by the population.
Received first letters from
home since leaving NZ.
Usual fine weather and
company training was
carried out.
Taranaki & Ceylon coys.
marched out to “Virgins Breast”
hill & took part in field
operations of English brigade.
returned via Heliopolis
after marching 7 miles each
way to the training area.
N.Z. Division & the
Aust. Light Horse route
marched through Cairo and
saluted General Maxwell
at the Opera Square. Returned
to camp at 3 pm. The
city was gay with bunting
and we were well received.
Company training on
the desert until 2 - 30 pm.
Attended a dinner at
Shepheards' Hotel of officers &
former officers of 7th Reg't
Captains Glenhill & Acton of
our allie
Irish, being present.
Cairo city was a very
animated & lively spectacle
on Xmas Eve —
Church parade 8 - 45 am.
dined in cap & had a
quiet day. glorious weather
general leave & most of men
& officers gone sight seeing.
General leave today. I
lunched at Grand Continental
with Ceylon Officers & then
attended English Territorial
sports at grounds of the
Khedivial Sporting Club
a pretty spot on the banks
of the Nile.
Pvte Cooper of Hawkes Bay Coy
died in hospital of pneumonia.
Church parade 9 - 45 am
Hon.
Company training.
(company in attack)
Company Training (attack
and defence) – 8 am to 12 noon
and Night operations 7 pm
to 11 - 30 pm on open country
towards Suez Road Tower.
The N.Z. Division complete
was inspected and marched
past
Godley in front of Zeitoun
camp. Hon T McKenzie was
present. Returned camp 11 am
Marched out at 1 - 15 pm and
practiced entrenchments.
Rec'vd. 2nd mail from N.Z.
letter & 16 th Nov from Rita.
Company training 8 - 10 am
dined in town in evening
and saw New Year in with
honours. Returned to camp
2 am by train. Paraded
at 3 am for night operations
in the field. Night march
& attack at dawn, returning
to camp 11 am No holiday
was observed on 1st Jan.
Training as above until
11 am. Sat on D.C.M. at
3 - 30 am to try private
Gilson on charges of theft
of public money and
attempted desertion. Accused
found guilty & sentenced
from Rita of Nov 3rd)
to 18 mths H.L. and dismissal
from the service.
Quiet morning in camp
afternoon attended races
at Khedivial Sporting Club
at Geizvirch grounds. Dined
at Shepheards and then ended
up at Kursaal Music Hall
where a very good programme
was shown.
Usual routine divine
service in morning. Afternoon
visited Mr Andrus at
Sharia Ayad Bay Cairo.
dined in town & returned
camp 9 - 30 pm.
Battalion training
commenced 8 am to 3 pm.
(Formations preliminary to battle)
Battalion training
2 pm to 10 pm. Marching
by day & night & protection
Batt. Training.
(The attack) Miserable
day out as strong wind
rained clouds of dust
all over the desert.
recv'd letter from Burl Chis.
of 14 Nov. & papers & show
cat. from Rita up to Nov 27.
Dust storm – parades off
Fine day after showers
of rain through night &
which laid the dust
nicely. Inspection &
march past of N.Z.
Division before General
Maxwell & Hon. T McKenzie.
Address by latter on
brigade parade ground at
11 am — Usual half day.
W'gtn Batt'n marched to
2nd watch tower on Suez Road
via Heliopolis & was
inpected by Brigadier, in
full service kit. Left camp
8 am returned at 3 pm.
I left camp 8 am tram to
Cairo thence motor to Mena
and camels to Sakkhara on
tour of inspection. Very
fine day. Most enjoyable
outing. Visited tombs
of Sacred Bulls — Ramesis,
Tor etc returned via
Memphis to railway
thence train to Helmich
arrived in camp 7 pm
W'gtn Batt'n commenced
firing range practices
Table B part II regular
army course at Abassia
rifle range. Hon T Mckenzie
ret'd to London via
Continued range practice
at Abassia — Beautiful
weather. —
Ditto. — I returned at
noon to camp to attend
D.C.M. in Otago lines
adjourned at 5.30 pm
Battalion at range.
I continued on D.C.M.
at 9 am & concluded at
12-30 pm.
From today all reg. officers
are to wear web equipment
the same as the men &
will discard belts & swords
is on a/c of officers being
otherwise too conspicuous
in the field before the enemy.
Company training in
bayonet fighting and
fire control
Lecture to officers on
Communications in the fields
by Capt. Edwards of Engineers.
Afternoon free. I dined
at Continental & stayed
to small dance.
Church parade 10 am.
Quiet day in camp.
Earthquake in Italy yesterday
& very great number of
lives lost.
Battalion training - (protection
& attack). 8 am to 4 pm
Training of battalion
suspended owing to the
effects of vaccination on
officers & men. I took
company scouts & observers
in theoretical instruction.
On Sunday evening
a party of us Major Hart.
Capt Home Mr & Mrs Andrews &
Maj Morris visited Luna Park
at Heliopolis. This is a
great variety of amusements.
Scenic Railway & Whirligig
being especially interesting &
funny. Returned to Cairo for
supper with Mr. Andrews.
Two aeroplanes today
appeared over the city probably
military craft from
Vaccination is “taking” to me
& I'm not too chirpy tonight.
Usual
routine in camp. The men
resting from hard training
owing to vaccination.
The GOC
met all N.Z officers at conference
in camp at Zeitoun and reviewed
the training programme etc
Citadel and attended N.Z. & Australian
Boxing Tournament in Cairo in
the evening.
Visited Egyptian museum
with Major Hart. Afterwards to
tea at Mr. Andrews & went to
Luna Park in the evening.
I am appointed Landing
Officer for N.Z. reinforcements &
proceeded to Suez by rail with
Col. Esson and others, arriving 5 pm.
At 7 pm received wire advising
N.Z. Infantry Brigade ordered
to Canal immediately & NZ
transports not due until 28th.
Stayed Hotel Sinai last
night. Left Suez 7 am for Ishmailia
arriving 9-30 am. Find that
remain here & Wellington & Otago
go to Kubri near Suez. Saw several
military aeroplanes flying to
& from the direction of Turkish
advance. Joined N.Z. troop train
at Nefisha junction at 1.30 pm
& proceeded to El Kubri where
Wgtn & Otago batt'ns bivouaced
by railway for night. 1½m from
Canal. About 2 am we were
awakened by firing from the
canal a party of Turks having
attacked “El Kubri Post” at ferry.
Enemy retired about 3-30 am
without casualties either side.
Moved at 9 am into Trenches
on West bank of canal. Otago
batt'n remaining in reserve.
Indian cavalry patrol this
morning captured one of
by Gurkhas on our right and
Baluchis on our left with a
battery of English Terr. Artillery
in our line. I went out and
found enemy had been 2 to 300
strong & under cover of dark
had from cover in sand been
firing at 850 yards. They
discreetly retired before daybreak.
No further appearance of
enemy. Our patrols are out
night & day. Mounted men in
daylight & Infantry at night
“Willochra's” NZ reinforcements
disembarked at Suez & proceeded
to Zeitoun camp. Other ships
Went on to Alexandria. Traffic
through the Canal is uninterrupted
& forms most interesting sight.
Several warships are lying
in the Canal at various points
ready to support us with gun
fire.
Usual routine of life in the
trenches but splendid weather
conditions rendered work pleasant.
Today 14 Aust & NZ transports
passed bound for Alexandria. Also
a submarine which escorted
them here. Strict censorship
is now being exercised on all
correspondence.
Battalion assembled at 4 am
at El Kubri Ferry, but returned
to trenches at 6.30 am. We are
now daily improving earthworks &
constructing bomb proof shelters.
All ranks sleep by trenches & fully
dressed. My men have made me
perfectly comfortable during
this fine weather. Orient liner
“Orsova” & P&O. “Persia” passed
outward bound with large number
of passengers. Very cheering to the
troops who are now intensely
keen. Passing ships are of daily
occurrence. Thursday night a
hydroplane had mishap on the
Northern part of canal & unfortunately
when the French aviator & his companion
(a Ceylon officer) were returning to our
lines they were fired upon and
both killed. Same night a patrol
of ours had brush with Turks and
several casualties on both sides.
News of North Sea fight &
defeat of Germans. “Blucher” sunk.
This morning 4 am.
patrol of enemy fired upon
Coy. South of ferry. No casualties.
Divine Service in lines 8.30am
Continued entrenching all day.
Small engagement at Ishmalia.
Usual routine through day
½ our coy. reinforced No 2 Post
on East bank for night. Pocket
book taken from Turkish officer
killed at Kantara the other day
contained system of signals etc
& copies have been sent to us.
½ our coy
crossed Canal to improve trenches
on East bank at No 3 Post.
½ coy again went No 2 Post
for night. I took remaining ½ coy
to No 4 Post per launch at 11 pm
Just reached fort when Turks
attacked No 3 Post I had left
about 3 miles away. They fired
on our lines for about 2 hours
not reply & enemy did not come
to closer quarters than 800 yds.
H.M.S Himalaya lying by
No 4 Post fired 3 rounds from
a gun & Turks retired before dawn
to the hills. I returned to No
3 with detachment at 7 am
Taranaki
Company removed into trenches
at Post No 3 (El Kubri) on East
side of Canal other occupants
of the fort being the Gurkha
Rifles & Manchester Regt. Machine
Guns. Our men are now in
very front line and find patrols
every two hours during night.
They also sleep fully dressed
with rifles loaded and all
ranks stand to arms 4 am
to daylight. Excellent training
for the men & they do it well.
During day they play
football & cricket in the fort
when off duty. Each morning
we spend improving defences
& wire entanglements etc & men
usually have afternoon off.
Everyone is cheerful and
only hoping Turks will attack.
Aeroplane reconnaissance takes
place daily & cavalry patrol to
the front of all positions.
First important engagement
took place today near Ishmailia
when Turks attacked in force
& reached the canal with metal
boats. Enemy were severely
defeated & left 500 dead on
field & we took about 800
prisoners. Warships greatly
assisted with gun fire.
Enemy brought 6″ Howitzers
to bear on our positions but
100 all told. Nelson Inf. Coy
participated & had 1 killed and
1 wounded. Four of enemy
crossed the Canal & escaped
but were subsequently captured.
Quiet day here, slight
rain in night damped us
in trenches a little. North
of us convoy of 90 camels
with amm. & supplies and
several machine guns were
captured subsequent to the
engagement of yesterday.
I left for Cairo 5 pm
on duty. From Ishmailia I
travelled on train with
Turkish prisoners arriving Cairo
4 am.
duty in Cairo.
stayed at Shepheard's Hotel
Left Cairo for El Kubri
at 7 am. reached Ishmailia
10.30 am. Inspected here the
captured Turkish boats etc &
left for Kubri at 2-10 pm. returning
to Fort with company that night
Usual routine at Kubri
Post.
ditto
ditto
NZ mail
Usual.
On Thursday 4th. 2 platoons
of Taranaki Coy with ditto
Gurkhas, a squadron of Indian
Hydrabad Lancers and a
battery of E. Lanc. Artillery made
a strong reconnaisance to
the front from our Post to
clear up the situation.
they encountered a party of
Turks several hundred strong
who opened fire on the Lancers.
Our Artillery replied and the
enemy retired before we could
come up with them. One
Lancer was killed. Things
have been quiet here since.
Today (Friday) enemy are
reported to be retiring and
no strong force is within 20
miles but we anticipate
their return and are quite
prepared. On Friday (12th) 400 Gurkhas
have been landed at Fort by
the
small expedition.
Usual routine. Aeroplane
scouts report enemy shows
no signs of advancing.
All quiet & continued fine
weather. Gurkha expendition
returned from Gulf of Suez
having completely destroyed
the Turkish Force at Lor &
only casualties 1 killed & 1
wounded. Turks had over
60 killed and 102 prisoners were
brought to Suez. The force
landed from the “Minerva”
at 1 am & night marched
until 6 am completely
prising
more escaped. On the approach
of a Gurkha (with good intent)
towards a wounded Turk
the latter, probably thinking
his life was in danger, fired
& shot the Gurkha clean
through the chest. The latter
though thus wounded
native blade he carries) and
clove the skull of his enemy.
The Gurkha is now doing
well in hospital. These men
are splendidly trained and
are excellent fighters, and
being in touch with them
personally in this fort,
(El Kubri) I have gained a
very high opinion of them.
Some of this Regt were
in the fight on Feb 3rd
when a party of Turks
showed the white flag. Upon
a Gurkha officer going forward
they then opened fire, killing
him & others. In the face of
this fire the remaining
khas
annihilated the Turks party
& taking many prisoners.
The white flag has now
both here and in Europe been
so much abused that we will
in future disregard it & unless
the enemy throw down their
arms will take no prisoners.
All quiet as usual. General
Wilson (O/C Canal defences)
& staff visited our Post.
Uneventful day. As our
Coy. Moves from No 3 Post
tomorrow I am arranging
for them to have a concert
this evening to mark our
pleasant associations with
the other members of the
garrison (the 7th Gurkha Rifles)
10th Manchester Machine Guns
the searchlights & ferry services.
Last evening had a most
successful entertainment with
aid of the searchlights. Had
assistance of Wgt'n. Batt. Band
and noise of our revelry
will surely entice the Turks
to the post. Our only regret
is that they refuse to attack
in force. Col Taylor & other
Gurkha Batt'n officers & Col. Malone
attended. I afterwards dined
at Gurkha officers mess and
hope I may have the pleasure
of meeting them again. We
have formed a very high
opinion of them & their men.
9 am Taranaki Coy
moved from No 3 Post The
going to No 5 Post and the
right ½ coy. under myself being
stationed at Headquarters
and occupying West Canal Bank
from kils. 149.5 to K. 150.
Very hot dry day &
no news of enemy. Spent day
improving defences &
munications
News of death of Capt.
Galbraith at Citadel Hospital
midnight of 15/16th inst.
Deceased died as result of
motor accident in Cairo and
was on staff of General Birdwood
to which he was appointed
from Ceylon Planters Coy only
10 days before the accident.
Usual daily routine.
2 Turks surrendered at No 2
Post South of us about 2 miles
to a patrol of Gurkhas.
Usual day
short period of drill and
remainder of day improving
trenches & communications.
Strong reconnaissance
from No 3 (EL KUBRI) Post
(opposite our position). Force
consists of 500 men including
200 Camel Corps 1 battery F.A.
and remainder Infantry & Cavalry
It will be accompanied by
an aeroplane & remain out
several days in order to
locate the enemy and discover
his intentions. Granted
leave to Mr Wells to visit SUEZ.
Men are in great spirits
and only regret that the Turks
have not yet been bold enough
to attack us in force. We
are right on the Canal banks
and passing steamers and
the often jocular remarks
& conversations carried on
with passengers (especially
of the fair sex) greatly interest
the men and helps to keep
up their ardour. It is
a most unique position
for civilians to be passing
up & down the actual
post
be, if the enemy advances,
the line of resistance.
12 noon. I am ordered
to report to A.A.G. at
Headquarters, Cairo in charge
on enquiry. Left by 6 pm
train arriving Cairo 11.15 pm
Capt Martin met me at
Ishmalia with documents
for H.Q. Stayed at Shepheard's
Hotel & reported to Col. Chaytor
9 am Sunday. Ordered to report
to G.O.C on Monday. Visited
Mr. Andrews in Cairo on Sunday
afternoon. Also met Hon. Arnold
Diplomatic Agent for U.S.A.
Duty at H.Q. concluded.
attended reception at U.S.A
Embassy on occasion of anniversary
of Washington's birth. Returned
to Zeitoun camp for lecture
on War in France by Brig.
General C. Owen, who has
just arrived from front.
Most interesting lecture
especially in view of fact that
we are to go to France soon
as part of 26 British Division
(about 520,000 men) At the
conclusion of lecture I
trained to town & attended
Kursaal Music Hall and
had supper with private friends
Ret'd to Zeitoun camp by
1-30 am train.
Orders for N.Z. Inf Brigade
to return from Canal on Friday.
I spent day in town and
left for Kubri 6-15 pm
arriving on Canal banks at
11-45 pm.
Rec. Force returned to
El Kubri, after having
enemy's country. Aeroplane
went on another 35 miles
to Me
were located, (still retreating)
Aviator dropped bombs
on their camp & was fired
upon by guns, two Shrapnel
bullets passing through the
wing of machine.
Major Brunt with left
½ coy. rejoined us from
Shalonf (Post No 5) arriving
by launch
from N.Z. letter from Rita
of Jan. 17th.
I am detailed to act
as Railway Transport Officer
for return of troops to Cairo
and proceeded to Campimento
10 am. Ceylon
Ruahine & Hawkes Bay Coy's
arrived there afternoon and
bivouaced for night. I
despatched this force for Zeitoun
at 9-35 am on 25th.
Despatched first Train
9-35 am and second with
West Coast, Taranaki &
Headquarters at 11-35 am
arrived Zeitoun 3-20 with
second train and proceeded
to camp.
Morning devoted to
settling in camp.
Mr. Heslop arrived 11 am
having landed at Port Said
previous day.
He lunched in camp and
round the lines to meet
various friends. Met
“Mat” P. and dined at
Shepheard's afterwards
taking Mr. Heslop & Capt
& Mrs Home to Kursaal.
“Mat.” being refused late
leave — rotten —.
Divine service in
Camp 10 am afterwards
spent lazy day in lines
Mr Heslop & Home's having
gone to Pyramids—
Company parade 8 to 11 am
afternoon battalion training
2 to 4 pm. Mr Heslop
came into camp to tea
with him to Cairo. He was
to leave for
11 a.m. on Tuesday.
Company parade in
morning & afternoon the
battalion went for short
march through Helmilh
passing the Obelisk of
Ons. (the oldest in the world),
and the Virgins tree etc
in the vicinity. The
country round here is
very fertile though our
camp in the desert is
only 2 or 3 miles away.
The obelisk of Ons is
said to be 4000 years old.
I was Captain of the day
so spent evening on duty.
Marched out at 7-30 am
on Divisional training
with NZ & Aust. division of
about 18,000 men. Carried
out an attack on position
East of No. 3 tower on the
Suez Road. Very warm day
& desert sand hard going.
Returned to camp at
7 pm after the hardest
day's training we have had.
A man of Southland Coy.
died suddenly on the march
probably from weak heart &
over exertion in the hot sun.
An Australian infantry man
also died under similar
circumstances.
Training near
camp — easy day.
Company training 9 to 11 am
afternoon free in camp.
8.30 pm the Division moved
out for night operations
West of Suez Road. Arrived
at rendevous at 12 midnight.
Taranaki Coy was in reserve.
Remainder of brigade & Div
troops proceeded to take up
& entrench their positions
for an attack at dawn.
This was very successfully
carried out and cease fire
sounded at 6-15 am. Then
left for camp at 7 am.
Marched in the 9 miles
out
at 9-30 am. Received advice
from GOC that NZ & A Div
to leave Egypt about 16th
for the front (somewhere)
most men had morning in bed
to make up for lost time
last night. I attended
Gezireh Races afternoon.
Divine Service 10 am
Visited mousky bazaars Cairo
during afternoon. This
quarter should be seen by
anyone visiting the city
and who is able for a time to
endure the odours & general
surroundings of this Eastern
native quarter. Also visited
several mosques including the
Blue mosque 715 year old.
Informed that I am to
act as Military Landing Officer
for 3rd reinforcements.
Detailed instructions later.
On return to camp about 7 pm
found that my tent had been
on fire & contents narrowly
escaped destruction - Evidently
caused by the eternal cigarette
smoked by my tent mate.
Moral:- Don't smoke.
8 am to noon. Company parade
exercised men in musketry etc
at Matarich. Afternoon off
5 pm to 8.30 pm practiced
night advance towards
Biet el Shat on the desert
East of camp. The N.Z. Inf.
Brigade being engaged.
Battalion marched to Palais
de Koubbeh via Mataria &
the Virgins' Tree. Easy day
exercising men by sections
in the shady avenues of that
Marched back to camp
afternoon arriving 3.30 pm
Coy Commanders & HQ Staff
being absent I took charge of
the battalion.
Divisional training all
day in vicinity of No 2
tower on Suez Road. Exceptionally
hot day and hard work.
Returned to camp by road
via Heliopolis.
Company training forenoon.
Left camp at 8 pm for
night march & attack at
dawn about 9 miles East of
camp. The whole division
complete with transport
but very warm after sunrise
when we returned to camp
arriving 9.30 am. Friday.
Short battalion march in
afternoon through Palais de
Koubbeh & Zeitoun.
Morning occupied in
general clean up in camp.
Afternoon off. I attended
races at Gezireh Club.
Afterwards dined with
friends at Shepheard's.
Divine Service 10 am.
Afternoon visited Helouan (by
rail 20 m South of Cairo). with
Mr. Humphries of Gov. Service
& spent evening with Mr. H.
at his quarters in the city.
Officers of the battalion
went under Major Hart
to Flagstaff Hill on Staff
Tour from 8 am to 3 pm
Rain fell during evening
the first for some weeks.
Divisional training.
Left camp 5-30 am and
took up defensive positions
& entrenched on line of No 2 tower
across Suez Road. Operations
finished about 1 pm. arrived
in camp 3-30 pm. Rain
fell during night & short
thunderstorm occurred this
morning. This is the
occasion to wear greatcoats
since training in Egypt.
Afternoon again clear & hot.
3rd Reinforcements have
arrived at Alexandria and
includes Maori contingent
we are told.
9 am Officers of rank of
Captain & higher went
out on instruction in
Ammunition supply in the
field. Lieutenants with
the companies marched to
Mataria about 2 miles away
& carried out sectional work.
2.30 pm. I sat on a
D.C.M. in Cant'y Batt'n
lines.
Company training 8 to 11 am
afternoon free. Paraded at
5 pm & moved out on
Brigade training — Night
attack on entrenched positions.
Entrenched force acting as enemy
had wire entanglements & flares etc
making show very realistic.
Returned to camp 7-30 am Friday.
Day off after night operations
I went to Citadel in morning
on duty & attended at Abbasia
Barracks 4 pm on D.C.M.
went out on Indian motorcycle.
Companies went out
skirmishing etc under C. Sgt Maj.
Officers went to Mataria
Returned camp 11 am.
remainder of day free. I
went to town to dinner at
Mr. Andrews' at 8 pm. being
joined there by Humphries
& Holt of the Govt. Service
Divine service 10 am.
Mr. Holt visited me at
camp 4 pm & stayed to tea
As usual had beautiful
weather but rather too warm.
The Egyptian High Com'er
(
camp & inspected our lines
with
H.M.S. Ocean & Irresistible sunk
by floating mines at Dardanelles.
9 am. Divisional mobilization
parade on camp grounds.
N.Z & A Division was inspected
& marched past
Generals Maxwell & Birdwood.
Other persons of note resident
in Egypt being present. The
whole of the troops paraded
on a war footing ready for
the field, this probably being
a final inspection prior to
our departure for active service.
In afternoon companies were
marched out from 2 to 4 pm.
Diary continues from
page 100 in previous book.
I was Capt of the day. Companies
paraded under own arrangements
from 8-11 am & 2 to 4 pm. I was
sent out to
& to make a sketch of position
allotted our Bat'n for Outpost work
next day. Ret'd camp 6 pm.
Brigade was
exercised in outpost work on
Ishmalia &
4 miles from camp.
Bat'n marched
to Palais Koubbeh via Mataria
& returned 4 pm after exercising
in billeting at Zeitoun. I
left Cairo 8 pm for Luxor with
party of 8 officers on leave.
Luxor is about 425 miles
from Cairo on Nile—a great
Tourist resort on account of
Tombs of ancient Egyptians.
Arrived Luxor
9 pm. proceeded to Luxor Hotel.
In company with a dragoman
visited temples of Karnak &
Luxor & afternoon crossed the
Nile in boat & proceeded by
donkeys to tombs of the queens.
All these are wonderful
places & well worth the
trip. Left Luxor 6-10 pm
& arrived Cairo 7 am Saturday
A hurried visit owing to
longer leave being unobtainable
Arrived Cairo 7 am
returned to camp 9-30 am
& had a quiet day.
Maori contingent and our
3rd reinforcements arrived in
camp at Zeitoun on Friday.
They report a good trip and
all well.
Divine Service cancelled owing
to a duststorm keeping troops to
their quarters. Spent a quiet
day in camp.
Review of the
NZ & A Division & march past
Camp. — 3rd reinforcements and
Maori detachment participates
Fine day and splendid spectacle
but dust caused by so many
troops in movement was most
unpleasant — to say the least.
I heard a very original expression
today. One of my men came to
enquire of a man who was being
invalided home. When I asked
where the man was he replied
“over at the scrap heap sir!”
Further enquiry proved that this
was the soldiers designation of
the camp where men to be
returned home are situated.
Brigade exercised in Outpost
work N.W. of camp. Taranaki
Coy formed part of “enemy force”
& took up positions on
Returned to camp 2 pm having
been out from 6 am
Easy day. Battalion marched
to Pont de Koubbeh & exercised
by companies returning 4 pm.
Spent evening at bridge party
at Mr. Watkin's Zeitoun
Brigade route march at
6 am to El Birka, Marq, along
Ishmalia Canal Mataria
Zeitoun to camp – about 14 miles
arrived back 11 am. This was
a test march in full service
kit & was very satisfactory.
Afternoon free. Camp concert
in evening in
Really excellent programme.
Mrs Home & Mrs Watkins were present
Off day, but I had to
sit on D.C.M. 9 am to 5.30 pm.
& then adjourned to 9 am. Sat.
Proceeded with this D.C Martial
today as early move is expected
& it could not be held over.
This evening about 6 pm a
riot occurred in Cairo & lasted
for an hour or two. This is
most unfortunate especially
on eve of our departure. At the
moment I am told that mostly
Australians with a few Tommies
were the principals but expect
a few N.Z. men were there.
The trouble occurred in a
very illfamed quarter but just
off one of the main streets. I
was not in town but understand
that some Australians (probably
half drunk & under provocation)
began knocking things about in
certain premises. This was followed
by furniture being thrown out
of the upstairs windows and
small outbreaks of fire also
occurred inside. Natives were
not concerned & mostly cleared
from the scene but many of
their premises were wrecked
in the scuffle. Military police
arrived & was soon followed
by strong forces assembled
by officers in the town.
Cavalry & Infantry picquets
were called out with rifles
& ammunition & some little
firing took place besides
which bottles etc were flying.
Several men wounded, perhaps
some killed, difficulty being
to sort out rioters from
those assisting, as all were in
uniform. Otherwise soldiers
on duty could have cleared
the place in ten minutes.
Finally all soldiers were
ordered back to camps and
barracks and town cleared.
This evening orders state
all leave is stopped from noon
on Sunday & all on leave
from camps etc must be
immediately recalled. This
is in anticipation of a very
early departure and we will
not be sorry to go at last.
Resumed seat on D.C.M.
9 am to 11-30 am when court
adjourned pro. tem. Cairo
placed “out of bounds” for
troops from 2 p.m. on account
of last night's disturbance.
I visited town on duty from
2 to 5 pm. Also on duty
as Captain of the day in camp.
Maoris received orders
to depart “somewhere” on Monday
Also Ceylon Coy. leave
our lines and take up
duties as Corps unit.
Sir H. McMahon (High Com)
& Gen. Sir J Maxwell officially
this afternoon when Capt. Buck
addressed them & the inspecting
officers spoke briefly. The
Maoris gave a haka which
seemed to amuse & impress
the spectators. The natives
really look very smart on
parade and march well
but training for war is
very different and I don't
expect they will see active
service.
Divine service 9 am. No
leave to men now. I spent
most of day sorting & packing
my kit previous to departure
for front. Concert was held
in lines in evening & passed
off well. Preliminary
ation
travels on “Itonus”.
Zeitoun will for the present
& Alexandria will be our
base. Infantry & Artillery
move first from here & will
be followed in few days by
Mtd Rifles etc. Another
successful camp concert was
held this evening.
Disagreeable day owing
to a “Rhamsean” or hot wind
from the S.W. Temperature
rose to 102 after noon and
the sand storm raged all day.
N.Z. Inf. Brigade paraded
by “ships”. the order in which
They embark for “somewhere”.
Spent remainder of day inside
to avoid (as far as possible) the
sand & wind. Orders received
for Infantry to entrain for their
ships at Alex. on Wednesday.
Day occupied
in completing details of
men's kits etc. & inspection
Visited Cairo in evening.
Town very quiet owing to
there being no leave to troops.
Orders received
to delay arrangements for our
entrainment for 24 hours.
Wgtn Battn' route
marched in full war kit
& with transport to Palais
Koubbeh via Abbassia. Left
camp 8 am — 2½ hrs halt: lunch
time & reached camp again
3-30 pm. Did about 15 miles
over hot roads which was
rather trying to the feet.
Only 1 man our coy fell out.
Orders today to again delay
departure by 24 hours. I
am to act as R.T.O.
Quiet day. In
afternoon went to Matarich on
a billeting scheme & returned to
camp at 3-30 pm. I acted
Visited Cairo in evening for
purpose of saying farewell to friends.
Very warm
day No parades until 11 pm
when troops begin to move out
for entraining for transports at
Alex.
arranged for 2.20 am & 5.20 am
Saturday. Everyone cheerful and
pleased at prospects of fighting
ahead. A large number of
regular English & French soldiers
go forward with us and very
extensive operations are expected.
An attempt was made on
the Sultan's life yesterday by
some fanatic who was since
arrested. Reports today state
that Turks are again in touch
on
idea of harassing our troops.
I left
last evening for Palais Koubbeh
station – about 3 miles from camp.
Trains left here with
at 2 am & 5 am.. I travelled
on the latter, arriving at Alex.
docks 10.30 am. Embarked
immediately & at 3 pm the
“Itonus” moved into the stream
Alex. harbour presented a
most animated scene. Fleets
of transports & other ships
including W.S. cruiser “Tennessee”
being in port. On the wharves
military operations everywhere
French English & British Colo'.
troops embarking stores & men.
5 pm “Itonus” took in
tow a steam launch and
two barges for landing us
at destination, and put to
sea, bound for
the rendezvous for transports..
Calm sea & very pleasant
weather.
Beautiful day at sea.
“Itonus” is a very trim craft
of the British India S.N. Coy
and is splendidly fitted for
carrying troops. We have
1100 on board & no horses &
only about 12 mules. We are
only doing 8 to 9 knots on
account of the barges towing
behind — several having been
lost from other ships. Held
service this morning. Major
Brunt conducted Presbyterian
& Major Brereton of Canterbury
took Anglician, there being
no chaplains on board.
Weather is appreciably cooler
than in Egypt and very
agreeable. Received maps of
Gallipoli peninsula today
so will land there somewhere.
Passed between Rhodes Is.
&
the archipelago all day.
About 5 pm had a heavy
rain storm, which was quite
a strange experience to us
– we having enjoyed fine
weather for such a long period.
Sea continues calm making
trip very pleasant.
7 pm just after dark and
a rather dirty night the
tow rope parted and let go
the steam launch & 2 barges
we were towing.. A rocket
light was put overboard and
with a volunteer crew from
Taranaki coy. & 2 ships' officers a boat was
lowered away. (The Indian crew
of this ship are not much good
in a boat.) However the pilot
light went out & the captain
recalled the boat & decided to
go slow & look round in the
morning, owing to the remote
chance of finding the boats in
the dark on a dirty night.
It would also be a risky
proceeding - altho' we could
have manned several boats
with good volunteer crews.
Went
back on our course & sighted
the tug & barges at 6 am. Steamed
alongside & 2 officers of ship
& 3 Lascars dropped down ropes
into the tug & got a new line
aboard. A heavy sea was
running & the boats were now
astern with the men on board.
This was between the islands
off Asia Minor & skipper intended
getting to leeward of land to
make things fast & take off
the men. But the cable parted
& he decided to rescue the men
& abandon the tug. We manned
2 lifeboats but it would have
been hazardous to launch
them & the Itonus steamed
alongside & the men had to
scramble up ropes dropped to
them. The chief officer – the
against the ships' side and
stunned but was hauled aboard.
Meantime the barges had
broken adrift and the steam
launch was carried on to the
port propeller of the ship &
stove in. She sank in about
3 minutes & we continued on
our course having lost about
200 miles owing this trouble.
The lost boats were valued at
about £
of the troops we did not want
to lose them. However with
the sea on & the gale that was
blowing it was very dangerous
to attempt to save them and
we were pleased to see the
officers & men safely on board
again. During time Itonus
was “hove to” she rolled very
much in the trough of the sea
the instruments registering over
30° of a list several times.
Many men were naturally
sick, but I came through
without any trouble of that
sort. Afternoon sea went
down & by nightfall we
were making good way in
calm weather.
At 6 am.
entered the splendid harbour
of Lemnos. piloted by a
torpedo boat destroyer. The
harbour is practically full of
transports, colliers, and
naval craft. The latter
includes 1 Russian & numerous
French ships, the whole fleet
being headed by the splendid
& formidable looking battle cruiser
harbour is protected from
submarine or other attacks by
a boom of nets & mines across
the narrows thro' which we
passed. It is rumoured that
we may be here a couple
having to wait for more
troops which are necessary
to our operations. Turkish &
German forces are reported to
be very active in Gallipoli &
two nights ago several bombs
were dropped in this harbour
from an aeroplane. All lights
are therefore screened & small
craft patrols the entrance
night & day.. A few houses
& military camps are to be
seen ashore round the
scantily grassed slopes of the
surrounding hills. Lemnos
appears to be an ideal Naval
base & the British authorities
were exceedingly shrewd in
securing this new outpost
for the Empire. Held a
successful concert on board
“Itonus” this evening.
Fine day, remained in
harbour & exercised troops on
board. Transports & warships
(A31) S.S. “Seang-choon” moored
alongside “Itonus”. She carries
Australian troops. One ship here
has had her foremast removed
& accommodates a captive balloon.
Our ship's
company went ashore in
boats for a short march
& returned in the afternoon.
I went also & had a look
round the villages. They are
very crude - made of stones
& plaster and practically all
inhabitants are Greeks. Island
of Lemnos is about 50 miles
in length. — Soil is rather
poor but cultivated on flats
and it was grand to be
able to work on grass land
— the first since we left
N.Z. except of course for the
ornamental grounds of Egypt.
Fine spring weather much
like N.Z. in spring.
Lemnos Bay.
Fine day. water perfectly
calm. I visited divisional H.Q.
ship the “Lutzow”, on duty, & also
the “Achaia”. Afternoon rowed to
the
round. She is absolutely the
last word in naval construction
very plain & trim in appearance
and quite devoid of the gear
& outwardly visible paraphernalia
of many warships, but purely
& simply a fighting machine.
Several of our transports are
“prize” ships – late of the N.D. Lloyd
line. These are very fine ships
and are being used to good purpose.
Reports today state that the
Turks again attacked Suez Canal
& were repulsed:– the N.Z.M.R
are said to have taken part &
were railed from Cairo without
horses for that purpose.
Yesterday a British transport
was overhauled by a Turkish
torpedo boat off Asia Minor and
three times. The first two are
said to have missed & the third
failed to explode
by this time — in response to
a wireless call H M S Minerva
and a French cruiser hove in
sight & the Torpedo boat made
off, only to run ashore during
her flight. It is reported that
a number of soldiers were
drowned off the transport.
It appears also that the cruiser
were searching for the Turk when they
received the call as they
had reason to believe she
was in the neighborhood.
Official report states that
British forces defeated the Turks
in Mesopatamia inland from
the Persian Gulf. There are
today about 60 transports &
27 warships (exclusive of destroyers
& small craft) & numerous
colliers in harbour with others
arriving daily. Several warships
are also at the Dardanelles
Divine Service 9 am. Chaplain
Taylor from the “Lutzow” conducted
it. Fine & calm day. Afternoon
practised men in disembarking
into ships' boats & returning.
Reported today that a submarine
that went from here yesterday
to the Dardanelles went aground
in the narrows, crew being taken
prisoners. Some of the regulars
& naval brigade landed on south
of Gallipoli peninsula.
Another calm &
pleasant day.. Troops practiced
disembarkation - landed for
a route march, returning in
the afternoon. Party from the
Australians on board S.S. ‘Seang choon’
moored with us, came on board
& gave us a concert. They
had with them a hypnotist who
was very good & gave a performance
similar to Norwood who recently
visited NZ.
Fine but windy day.
usual routine of drill &
duties on board. In evening
our concert party gave a
performance on the S.S. ‘Seang choon’
in return to the Australians.
An excellent programme & very
well received. We had the
hypnotist (Sergt Little) over, this
evening & he gave a scientific
demonstration in the saloon
for the benefit of the officers.
They are all now convinced
there is something in personal
magnetism.
HMT “ITONUS” LEMNOS
miserable day. wet & windy
Inspection parade 9 am of
troops in shore going order.
Each man carries an oil sheet
on his pack & this is all he
will have to sleep on for a
time when ashore as no
blankets can be carried at present
ashore a few sticks of boxwood
in his gear as firewood will be
very scarce. We have also
saved all our biscuit tins
for water receptacles to be
filled from the ships until
we establish ourselves and
obtain other supplies.
At 6 am I took a
crew in the lifeboat and
rowed down harbour to the
H.M.T. “Goslar” which brought
our mails in yesterday. We
had a good load (26 bags) of
letters & papers and there
being a strong wind & fairly
heavy sea the return trip
proved difficult. Half way back
to the “Itonus” about a mile from
the Goslar I pulled alongside
the H.M.S Q. Elizabeth as we
could not make headway.
Here I got the assistance
of a steam pinnace going our
Easy day on board and in
evening weather settled with
calm sea. I believe we should
have sailed today but the
weather was responsible for
24 hours delay. General
the land forces of the Med.
Exp. Force and today he issued
a memo addressed to the
“Soldiers of France & of the King”
invoking their individual energies
& reminding them of what Lord
Kitchener said to him (
his departure from England.
“Remember that once you set
foot upon Gallipoli you must
fight to a finish.”
Still “Standing
By” — but greater activity in
Lemnos harbour Today is
indicative of an early move.
About 4 pm a number of the
transports & warships proceeded
readiness to put to sea in
proper order & with despatch.
Great enthusiasm prevailed
as the various ships passed one
another — also going by the French
Russian & British warships. Two
of the largest of the splendid
fleet of transports are 2 Cunard
Liners Aionian & Leuconia each
of which has over 3000 Tommies
on board.
At day break further
movement of ships to outer
harbour took place. I expect
the great array of ships here
comprising the transports of
the Mediterranean Exp. Force
under
their escort, the Eastern Medit.
Fleet under V. Admiral de Roebuck
is & will be the largest and
most powerful ever assembled
for active service. The spectacle
witnessed by the peacable
be one never to be forgotten.
Today this following message
was transmitted to the troops
by
Majesty. “The King wishes
you & your army every success
& you will be constantly
in his prayers & thoughts.”
The Itonus
& other transports left in
harbour weighed anchor 6 am
& put to sea. Sound of big
guns firing can be heard
from Dardanelles about 40 miles
away, so some other troops
must be in action. It is
a most glorious morning and
perfectly calm at sea. Everyone
on board is in high spirits &
eagerly awaits coming events.
10 am.. As we draw nearer
the zone of operations the
constant boom of big guns
held divine service & the
solemnity of the occasion
was rather increased by the
din of the bombardment across
the water. Operation orders
are now in our hands and
we, (the Australasian Army Corps)
are to land (covered by naval
artillery) just North of KABA
TEPE on
I understand the French
troops are to land on ASIA
MINOR side. The intention
4 pm ITONUS arrived off KABA
TEPE and at 6 pm. began disembarkation
See over
named as that forms the initial
letters of Aust. &
landed and established their
base at this point, North of
Cape.
WALKER'S RIDGE that now
well known razorback up which a
road has since been constructed
is named after Gen. Walker who
commanded that section of
the operations during our attack, on
Tuesday Apr. 27th.
coy under major Brunt went off
in first party & more ordered up on
right of position on shore to
reinforce Australians Lighters
occasionally subjected to shell
fire during landing but not
many casualties occured. Severe
fighting was going on ashore by
sound of incessant blast of rifle
fire & roar of guns (principally
ours). Before the Destroyer returned
for us (about 11 pm) numbers of
Australian wounded were brought
off to our ship (the hospital
ship being full) I landed with
left ½ Tar. Coy shortly before
midnight & entrenched in a position
covering Army Corps H.Q. The
landing of Aust Forces commenced
about 4-30 am and heavy losses
occurred as Turks opposed them
with machine guns & rifles besides
sharpnel fire. Really a wonderful
performance obtaining the
footing we have as men had
to charge up steep
hill sides. Fighting continues day and
night.
I hold some points
& our force is firmly established
on shore. Disembarkation of
stores continues. Enemy
with shrapnel about day light &
naval guns replied apparently
silencing Turks. An Indian
on my right. Field guns are
little use yet as they cannot
clear steep hills with their
fire. Battle continues with
great vigour. Day beautifully
fine and rattle and roar of big
guns & musketry is tremendous
At times
men act all thro' as if they
were veteran soldiers: Conduct
of all ranks splendid.
Dawn again
breaks with battle at its
height & bombardment continues.
10am
Taranaki ½ coy with Maj. Brunt
who suffered severely yesterday)
proceeded to reinforce
Australians on left
WALKER'S RIDGE.
two days & nights continually
fighting and were hard pressed.
W.W.C. & H. Bay coys with Machine
Guns went in first & suffered
heavy losses though behaved
magnificiently & are said to have
saved the situation. They had
to advance in high scrub &
tho' no Turks could be seen
men fell in all directions.
Eventually we held our own
& entrenched strongly. I with
Tar. ½ coy went in on left about
11 pm. Major Hart wounded here
while lying with me observing
the situation.
Heavy night
attack on my front but easily
repulsed with few casualties on
our side. Hand Grenades were
thrown into our trenches. one
wounding a man beside me.
I was appointed to act as staff officer
to Col. Malone since Major Hart
wounded & took up duties today.
Continued improving trenches
& hold present position against
fierce intermittent rifle fire but
don't think Turks will assault.
We are quite ready if they do.
Casualties in regt. since Sunday
about 7 off. & 200 men and in
Taranaki Co. 45 all told. Bulk
of these occurred on that memorable
Tuesday. We are hampered for
want of Howitzers & have no
room to work F.A. yet. The
29th (Brit) Div. & French force
landed at
on Sunday & make steady progress.
Casualties in landing very heavy.
Occasional 11″ shells said to be
from “Goeben” or forts of Kilid Bahr
have fallen close to our ships but
so far only a trawler damaged.
Weather perfect.
Situation much
same. Turks seem to have been
reinforced guiding by their rifle
fire. Sniping by enemy very much
in evidence & country very suitable
for it. Lt. McColl wounded today.
Same situation
Sgt. Maj. Bonar killed in our trenches
Heavy enemy shrapnel fire today
but little damage. Now we have
good communication trenches enemy
get little chance of sniping us.
Heavy
rations & water up steep face to
our trenches. Water is filled into
benzine tins & sealed up on ships
These are then carried from beaches.
5 pm Turks attacked strongly a
perfect hail of lead cutting off
the mounds of our trenches and
effectively preventing any observation
except by periscopes. Our men
kept down & by directing artillery
fire per telephone we blew
the Turks from their trenches in
places.. This completely silenced
the rifle fire.
Splendid weather
continues. Comparatively quiet night
and Turks could be heard digging trenches
Recovered Lieut. Hugo's body from
front of our trenches and buried him
with short service. Quiet day
but at 7 pm naval guns began
enemys trenches preparatory to
Otago batt. making an advance
on our right. Canterbury was to
go forward on left when Otago
attained their object. At 8 pm
Otago moved out and we attempted
with much success to draw the
enemys fire in our direction. However
Otago was unsuccessful and
after making three successive
assaults in the dark & reaching
Turks trenches with a few men
they were forced to retire with
severe losses & entrenched only
about 50 yds from their starting point.
Canterbury therefore did not
proceed on the left. I consider
failure due to insufficient reconnaissance
& artillery preparation with covering
fire during advance. Owing to
darkness latter was impossible.
The rifle fire during the night
was awful. I was standing in
the trenches all night from 7 pm
to 4 am with our Brigadier
who was superintending the operation
Capt. Morton went out with
See over
in use by Turks: . – – . (UN) repeated
three times front to rear means “We are
ready to attack” do rear to front
“attack begins” – – . – (Q) “Go back”
– – – . (F) 3 times front to rear
“Amm's needed” do rear to front “Amm's coming”
I cannot write of casualties &
daily movements as rumours are
always rampant & official
information is not to hand for
some days.
Nothing important
to record. The fire fight
continues & our men are now
adopting sniping tactics and
are beating enemy at his own
game. Glorious weather and
looking out seawards from
my bivouac on the cliff
side the view is magnificient.
No change in
situation. Turks entrenching
heavily but quiet day. Evening
brought usual fierce rattle of
rifle fire which lasted well
throu' the night. but was mostly
directed at Australians on our
right. No report of Capt Morton
whom I fear has been killed.
Shrapanel fire from
enemy fell very near our quarters
but mostly went harmlessly into
ravine close by. Some 150 shells
enemy evidently thinking they had
range well on to beach where
our landing operations & stores are.
An 11″ shell struck a collier
and wounded 2 men in harbour.
At 10 am we the (NZ/Bgde) rec'vd
orders that we were to be relieved
and by 4 pm the Naval Brigade
had replaced us & we retired
to the beach. Orders here to
embark for
this was begun 9 pm. Torpedo
boat destroyers being used to
transport troops. I embarked on HMD “SCORPION” One Aust.
Inf Bg'de (2nd) also embarked.
Landed Sed-el-Bahr & Cape Hellas
early hours of morning and
proceeded about 3 miles inland to
a bivouac. Here we formed
reserve to 29th Div. who with
French forces are operating towards
ACHI BABA.
At 11 am
the allies began a battle with a
tremendous cannonade of artillery
on enemys positions. This was followed
up by infantry attack & by afternoon
been made & Turks driven back.
The action lasted well through
the night & the artillery specially
keeping up the fire to prevent
enemy entrenching in new position.
Weather fine with brief Easterly
wind. This part of peninsula
is settled land very much more
pleasant & satisfactory to fight in
than the scrub covered hills of
KABA TEPE. But for the
stress of battle in front & an occasional
shell in our lines we might be
on a picnic in N.Z. the surroundings
are so agreeable. The people of
N.Z. will realize (if never before)
the other side (the horrors of war)
when they read the casualty lists
of the past few days. The men
however have risen to the occasion
they are playing a real soldier's
part & those who have fallen
have done so in a glorious cause.
The men of our regt. especially
have proved their worth in the
estimation of their officers
for them. In brief they have
played their part like men
in the true sense of the word.
Another beautiful day.
We were not called up & have
had a well earned rest in bivouac
since yesterday morning. The fight
continued through the night and
about 10 am our forces again began
an artillery bombardment of the Turks
position preparatory to another
advance in which we will probably
participate. The action continues
with great vigour and at 4 pm
the NZ Inf Brigade were ordered up
on left in support of British 87th
& 88th Brigades. Bivouaced for night
in rear of firing lines. Little progress
today but our forces holding ground won.
Action continues intermittently
At 10.30 am the NZ Inf Bdge was
ordered to attack on their (left) flank
and to go forward through the lines
of regulars ESSEX, INNISKILLINGS and
HANTS. Regts: This they did
in fine style. The steadiness of our
commented on by English officers.
They were subjected to heavy fire
of shrapnel & machine guns but
steadily advanced and entrenched
their positions. The action was
very fierce through out the day &
at 5-30 pm a general advance of
the whole front line of the force
was ordered & with fixed bayonets.
Ruahine coy had been in reserve
until now & were ordered to support
W.W.C. Coy at this time. In going
forward they were badly cut up
by machine guns & suffered some
60 casualties. Lieut. Menteath &
Capt. Frandi were killed today
in action. Turks defences are
very strong being specially so
with machine guns which our
artillery failed to locate and
this prevented the advance we
had hoped for tho' some progress
has been made. I hear French
got forward on left a little today.
Lt. McKinnon & Major Saunders
wounded. I am with Col. Malone
with H.Q. at WHITE HUT during
this attack — WSW of KRITHIA
Weather is perfect but nights
very cold. Last evening quiet
except for minor events along the line.
Reinforcements from Egypt for
our brigade arrived in field &
drafted to coys. today. This
still leaves us much below
ment
officers ranks are much thinned.
The action continues with varying
intensity but men are now well
entrenched & few casualties occur.
During evening Wgtn. trenches were
heavily shelled with shrapnel and tho'
several penetrated the parapets only
a few men were wounded. An incident
worth recording happened in West Coast
Coy.- A shrapnel shell penetrated the
trench parapet and the men were
lined along it. The missile exploded
(a 15 pr.) on impact and one man had
his arm nearly blown off but the
one else was hurt while the next
man had his rifle shattered to
fragments and another had his
weapon broken off at the stock by
the explosion. Such happenings
however are of daily occurrence
in the field and most of us have
time and again had hair breadth escapes.
A man must be prepared to
“stop his bullet” any time here but
we never have time to think of
that and I often marvel at my
own indifference to the battle &
strife going on around us.
Last night passed with
the usual fitful bursts of rifle
fire & artillery but no change in
situation took place. The 87th & 88th
brigades of regulars were relieved by
Indian brigade & our N.Z. Inf. Bdg'e.
and they went out for a spell.
My brother George was severely
wounded Sunday morning in the
trenches & unfortunately it was not
possible to get him out to the rear
until this evening after dark. He
cared for in the trenches as far as
possible. The poor boy does not even
recognise me. This evening and the
medical officer has grave fears for
his recovery. The bullet entered
the base of his neck and appears to
have injured the spinal column.
Everything possible is being done
for him by Capt Home at our
regimental unit post and I do hope
that he will rally sufficiently to
speak to me before going off to
the hospital ship.
News of torpedoing of the “Lusitania”
received here: Another murderous
outrage by the German savages.
WSW of KRITHIA. Several feeble attacks
preceded by shrapnel, by Turks on our
front; were easily held off during night.
Day broke fine again and nothing
out of ordinary occurred in firing line.
1 pm preliminary orders advised us of
the proposed relief of NZ brigade.
Afternoon very quiet in fire trenches.
Indian Brigade HQ (General Cox)
removed from White Hut up
by 7th batt, Manchester regt. Owing
to difficuly of movement to & from
trenches and this having to be
done under cover of darkness the
change was not completed until
midnight. NZ troops (with exception
of some who did not get to the
rendezvous until early morning) then
moved back to previous bivouac
near stone bridge on Krithia road.
Stragglers & detached parties
continued to arrive in bivouac
until 9 am. from rear of firing line.
All were then free to construct
“dug outs” (as we are still within
big gun range) and to rest before
proceeding to muster & check rolls.
Rain fell heavily from about
midnight & continues today making
bivouac & surroundings a real
quagmire. However this is the
first rain worth mentioning since
we landed here and the ground
being sandy will soon dry again.
No trace of Capt Morton since
the action at KABA TEPE being
have very grave fears for his safety.
George was sent to hospital ship
and I cannot get any news of his
progress.
Morning broke beautifully
fine & warm again & the bivouac
grounds were soon dry after the
rain of yesterday. Severe cannonading
by our batteries continued through
the night but we take little notice
of that now & sleep peacefully on.
Reorganisation of companies went on
today and with our reinforcements just
arrived from Egypt we are still much
under strength. This is specially
noticeable in ranks of officers and
NCO's. Our total casualties
since landing on Gallipoli are
about 15 officers & 420 men in
Brigade. These figures are approximate.
Major Young was today appointed
to the temporary command of the
Auckland Battalion since Col. Plugge
(wounded) many other alterations
will shortly be made as a
be made in the officers ranks.
Quieter day on the battle front.
Continued fine weather. Men
were marched to beach this morning
for bathing parade. HMS Goliath
was sunk last
by Turkish torpedo boat which
must have come up from
coast during darkness. N.Z. Mtd Rifles
landed (without horses) at KABA
TEPE yesterday from Egypt.
Mounted troops cannot be used
here at all in their ordinary way
in fact the whole of present war
seems to be fought by infantry &
artillery. Enemy has found range
to our beaches & bivouac grounds
today and are shelling us here
like fun. It is fun, for the men
mostly joke & make witty remarks
about the screaming shrapnel or
the hum of the high explosive
projectiles as they are hurled
through the air. Considerable damage
has been done tho' and a number of
men & horses have been put out of action.
The following congratulatory
messages have been received.
From H.M. the King.–“It is with
intense satisfaction that I have heard
of the success which in the face of
determined resistance has attended
the combined Naval & Military operations
in the Dardanelles. Please convey to
all ranks my hearty congratulations
on their splendid achievement.”
From Sir Ian Hamilton GOC
Med. Exp. Force — “May I speaking
out of a full heart, be permitted to
say how gloriously the Aust & N.Z.
contingents have upheld the finest
traditions of our race. during this
struggle still in progress; at first
with audacity & dash, since then
with sleepless valour & untiring
resource. They have allready
created for their countries an
imperishable record of military
virtue”. – –
NZ Brigade still in rest bivouac
but today men worked on beaches constructing
stores & unloading goods. Usual shell
injured in our lines. Fighting continues
in the firing line & artillery very
active during evening. Aeroplane
reconnaissance by our people was
very much in evidence – four
machines being up together. The
enemy daily waste hundreds of
rounds of shrapenal on them but
as yet to no purpose.
Glorious weather continues. and
also active hostilities. Divine services
had been arranged for today but
military duties caused them to be
cancelled. Turks are so well entrenched
now that tactics must approach
semi-siege warfare and we can
only hope to get forward slowly
to our present objective, the heights
of ACHI-BABA. Several officers here
who have seen service recently in
France & Belgium say that the
fighting here on the whole is more
difficult & strenous. There is no
doubt, to my mind that a more
stubborn fighter (in defence)
We are little afraid though
of his powers to attack and in
fact wish he would do so
more actively. I walked round
Sed-el-Bahr &
morning dodging occasional big
shells from the enemy. To the
civilian eye it would be a
wonderful sight going through the
transport & ammunition parks &
Aerodrome etc. On the beaches
are huge piles of stores, wagons
& ammunition, horses & mules in
hundreds, & gangs of men unloading
barges, constructing roads etc
And we hear from Constantinople
that we have been driven into
the sea. A splendid anchorage
is obtainable & fleets of warships
transports & small craft lie
close in to the shore. The
village & ports of Sed-el-Bahr are
a mass of crumbling ruins, but
form the base of the French forces.
The huge dismantled guns and
the twisted plate & iron work bear
of the Navy previous to the landing.
The country here now practically
a mass of excavations & “dug outs”
was very pretty, being abundant
in wild flowers vineyards & cypress
groves, and as a great admirer of
natural scenery, I cannot, even
amid the tumult of war, pass
this by without comment.
This afternoon the sound of
battle increases tho' we take little
more notice now of a blast
of artillery than of the bray of
a mule or the eternal croaking
of the frogs near my bivouac.
I wish the Frenchmen would
hunt them. We have now had
5 days out of the firing line and
expect we will soon go forward
again, being attached to the 29th
(British) Division. Our (
revised list of casualties to date since
landing in Gallipoli (excluding sick)
is 4 officers & 77 men killed and
12 off. & 295 men wounded with
37 men missing (probably all casualties)
Remain at STONE BRIDGE bivouac
men on beach fatigues again today.
Tremendous fusilade on battle front
last night but little change in situation
Weather continues very fine & agreeable.
Had concert last evening in the lines.
Several Frenchmen contributing items
which were much appreciated. Concluded
amid enthusiasm French & British singing
Tipperary Marseillaise & “God Save King”
Most items were punctuated very
frequently by the “pop” of a French
75″ or the roar of the British
18 pounder discharged from our rear
but these are very minor details now.
Today a German aeroplane dropped
bundles of pamphlets in our line inviting
us to surrender to the tender mercies
of the Turk. Probably they think we
are a lot of ignorant savages from
Australia & Africa as we have been
described by Constantinople papers.
We have dropped them some pamphlets
lately printed in Turkish & telling
them the truth about the war.
Fine day – fairly quiet in firing line
Artillery active in afternoon. About 7 pm
enemy heavily shelled our lines for half
an hour. about a dozen men were “blown
out” within a about 200 yds of my
dug out. Several of ours were injured
& 4 killed too on the beach by the
explosion of one of the big shells the
Turks occasionally land there.
We, (the NZ Inf Bg'de) are now
Army Corps troops under direct
orders of G.H.Q. & are detached
from 29th Div. We are the only
Australasian troops now at this
point all others being at KABA
TEPE. Supplied beach fatigues
again this evening.
Last evening heavy artillery
bombardment & continuous rifle fire from
about 8 pm until early morning took
place by our troops near KRITHIA Road
& daylight brought the news that
we had successfully advanced our
trenches about 200 yds at this point
with few casualties. Today very
high explosive shells rained about us
during the day but only a few
horses & 2 or 3 men were injured.
Turks made determined attack on
NZ & Aust. trenches at KABA TEPE
but were repulsed with heavy loss.
Enemy evidently were urged or
even driven on from behind but could
not progress against our fire.
We, (N.Z Inf Bgde) received orders
to return to ANZAC COVE and
went off from V beach in mine
sweepers to SS Eddystone after
dark. Landed at ANZAC 9 am (20th)
in destroyer USK, (of TSING TAU fame)
& in launches, Glorious
weather & rather hot during day.
Arrived KABA TEPE dawn
& landed brigade during morning.
When coming ashore (Major Bailey
Auckland) stopped a bullet & was killed.
Also lost Roberts of (West Coast Coy.)
while moving along beach to
our bivouac where we go in to
reserve for time being.
In losing Major Bailey, Auckland
have now had all but 2 of their
original 28 combatant officers put
out of action. Quiet day ahead
in the trenches but at 7.20 pm the
Turks opened an awful fusilade of
rifle fire, to which we replied. This
lasted until daybreak and was accompanied
by frequent rounds from our mountain
batteries & an occasional 6″ howitzer shell
from our rear. The object (as far as I
can judge) of this night firing
is that the Turks wish to prevent any
night attacks being launched by us.
General Bridges (of Australian Division)
died this evening from bullet wound received
a few days since.
Col. Chaytor have also been wounded
slightly.
Another perfect day as regards weather.
Several prisoners came in yesterday and
there was a lot of white flag wagging
by the enemy in front of Australian trenches
but I have not heard what came of it
except that Turks were on one occasion
after coming out on some pretext.
A humorous incident occurred the
other day in our lines. A man of ours stood
up to observe over the trench parapet
when a shot whistled by his head. He
cooly waved a miss with his rifle (as
we would in a rifle range butts,)
to the Turk, before he ducked for shelter.
We are now informed that the German
conducted the attack on this position
last Wednesday & that 15000 to 20000
fresh troops were brought with him
from Constantinople for the purpose.
We are pleased to have scored so
completely over this Teuton leader.
The heavy loss we inflicted are
doubtless responsible for several “white”
& “red crescent” flag incidents since when
we allowed the enemy to come out to
collect wounded & bury their dead.
Since our departure from Cape Hellas
& consequent removal from the 29th Division
the G.O.C. Maj.
D.S.O. has sent the following message.
“That he was very pleased with the
soldierly behaviour & staunchness in
action of the N.Z troops and that they
have shown themselves thoroughly fit
British comrades of the regular army.”
Following is text of another message
received. If praises from high officials
count for anything then our men must
really have made a very favourable
impression. From Rear Admiral Thurston of
H.M.S. QUEEN. 18/5/15. “It is with the
greatest regret that I find I have to leave
you before we are able to bring our combined
operations to a successful conclusion On
behalf of myself, my officers & men I wish to
thank you & the Army corps under your
command for the loyal & ungrudging
manner in which you have worked with
us, thus making our task easy. We are
all full of admiration for the gallantry &
daring of your troops. The dashing way
in which you took your present position
will become historical & we all hope your
further progress will not be long delayed.
We shall all follow your progress with
the greatest interest & wish you the final
victory you so thoroughly deserve.
Please convey to all ranks the honour
we feel in having been allowed to co-operate
with the Australian &
regret with which we leave them.”
Irish Guards) visited our “bivvy” this
afternoon
Rain fell from day break
for few hours & made things rather
unpleasant here. We are still in
bivouac in RESERVE GULLY & as we
are packed up closely & dug in on the
steep clay sides of the donga. The
muddy state of things is better imagined
than described. A Turkish officer came
in under a flag of truce yesterday
to us & negotiated for a 9 hours
armistice in order to bury their
dead which are very numerous. We
are willing as we wish to have
the situation cleared up, for the
breezes coming through our trenches
from the front are laden — well –
not with lavender. It is simply
awful in places & the trenches have
to be manned continually – the
Turkish lines being as close as
15 yards to ours in some parts.
The armistice is likely to be
arranged for tomorrow. In meantime
hostilities continue as usual
far during the past few days.
We have tunnelled towards
the enemy trenches in several places
and we then gently break through
and when possible place a machine
gun in the opening made. We
have several trench mortars now
too besides hand grenades etc
so the fighting is quite similar
to the struggles taking place in
France & Belgium. General Birdwood
visited us today & expressed his
approval of our doings generally –also
said he had a most excellent
report on our doings at Cape Hellas
from whence we have just returned.
Sun shone beautifully afternoon
soon dried up the surroundings
here. Reported Italy has declared war.
Fine day and fairly quiet except
during night rifle fire fusilade as
usual went on for few hours. I attended
Divine Service & H.C at 9 am conducted
by Rev. Bush-King in our bivouac lines.
Received a long delayed mail today.
Incident of some interest occurred at
in front of KRITHIA. When we left
a tunnel towards Turkish trench in front
of Ghurka position. While at work there
a few Inniskilling Fusilers were holding
short trench immediately behind them
but evidently got rather careless as about
200 Turks in broad daylight rushed the position
and the few I.F retired to next trench and
3 of our Taranaki men were left in the
tunnel. The Turks followed on & occupied
the next trench killing about 100 Inn. Fus.
as the latter were unprepared & were resting.
Fortunately the Turks did not see
the tunnel and our boys shot one who
was almost blocking the mouth of it
before they could escape. A party of
Ghurkas who were in support were
then ordered up and recaptured the
lost trench taking 80 prisoners and
accounting for the rest about 120.
of whom not one escaped. Three German
officers were amongst the killed.
An armistice asked for by
the Turks in front of our positions
here at KABA TEPE for purpose of
burying the dead, was granted and
was on from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm.
It was arranged that only burial
parties & medical officers would be allowed
in front of trenches & then each party
would not go further than half way
to the others lines red + flags being
planted on the dividing line. It
was a strange sight to see the enemy
lined along their trenches & I suppose
the same occurred to them. The bearer
parties worked together at times and
in any case the trenches were only some
10 yards away in places. The Turkish
dead were very numerous, in one
small area over 500 being counted by
one of our medical officers. The work
went on all day & at a very
few minutes past 4-30 pm a few
rifle shots notified everyone in the
vicinity that hostilities had re-commenced.
At 8 pm the fire became hotter and
then settled down again to the same
old thing. We are really for the
present just a containing force
so we are not yet making any
desperate efforts to get forward tho'
progress is quietly being made by
sapping & entrenching. Three of the
largest & fastest ships afloat, the
& Olympic have arrived from England
with reinforcements but I don't know
yet their composition & strength.
Fairly quite day fine until
about 2 pm when it rained heavily
much to the discomfort of many of the
men bivouacing on the clay slopes
of this gully. about 4 pm it cleared
again & summer showers fell again
later. About 12-30 pm the warship
“Triumph” was sunk just off shore
in full view of us here apparently
being torpedoed by a submarine.
No explosion was visible from shore
but the big ship quietly listed
then heeled over on her side and in
very minutes glided and foremost
to the bottom. Numerous destroyers
small craft were attendant upon
& I think all crew will have been
saved. The sea was absolutely calm
and amidst all the vigilant destroyers
it was a daring & clever performance
for the submarine. It was known that
German submarines were in the
day lately that the Navy had been
on the lookout for them.
Immediately the situation was
cleared after the sinking of the
warship about eight destroyers
went off fanwise at great speed
to attempt to discover the
hostile craft but it is a
very difficult business. I hear
at this moment nearly half
the crew were drowned. They must
have been unable to get up from below
there were numerous ships around her.
Fine morning with cool breeze.
Nothing out of ordinary during night in
firing line. Official report says 74 men
lost from H.M.S ‘Triumph’. Day passed
without any important change in situation
Wg'tn batt. went on as inlying picquet
during night & returned to quarters at
5 am. 27th Lt. McColl returned from hospital.
Very fine day nothing important ashore
At 6-30 am H.M.S Majestic was
torpedoed off
yet to hand. We must admit that
the Germans have got a nasty one
on to us again. The modern
submarine seems to be the greatest
menance to the navy and these
events here the last day or two
show great daring & enterprise on
the part of the enemy. For about
twelve destroyers and other small
naval craft have been constantly
on the watch since we knew
of the submarines proximity.
Otherwise quiet day, several Greeks
surrendered & came in, they having
been acting with the Turkish forces
against us.
Very warm day in
fact it is now getting uncomfortably
warm. Usual night – bursts of rifle
& machine gun fire from enemy at intervals
nothing important happening. Today
somewhat quieter than usual in firing
line. During recent armistice some 3000
Turks were buried in front of N.Z & A trenches
which indicates that their casualties
have been pretty severe. – To be continued –
Fine morning. About 3 am in
trenches in our front we ignited a
mine placed in head of a sap made
towards the Turkish trenches where they
are very close to ours. It blew up
some of enemys line but also ignited
a mine they had arranged for us. They
must have had a tunnel which actually
passed our own & their explosion blew
in some of our trench burying several
men at
charged our trenches about 100 gaining
a footing. The success was very short
lived for the Australians holding this
line counter attacked, took 30
prisoners and none of the rest of
Turks got back. We followed up &
occupied a piece of enemys trench &
are holding on. 108 dead Turks
lie within our lines so there must
be many more dead & wounded within
their own. We had 70 killed
and about 160 wounded. About
the same time as this on another section
a party of CYC men rushed out and
succeeded in filling in a partly dug
trench of enemy's close to our own
The battle lasted from 3 am until
about 9 am & after that the day
was quiet (comparatively speaking
always) except that we pounded
their hostile trenches with artillery.
Major Bruce a very capable Indian
has done splendid work was
killed today by machine gun fire
being directed on a communication
trench he was passing through.
At the same time 1 Canterbury man
was killed & several wounded.
I today, received notice of
promotion to Major in Command
(17th) Ruahine Coy vice Major E H
Saunders, (severely wounded) and take
over my charge tomorrow. I
will have fairly difficult work for
a while as my officers are all
new, 3 reinforcements & 1 new promotion
I am then short of a 2nd in command
for present & Lt. Lee (slightly wounded)
Besides this practically all original
N C O's are casualties.
I have been mentioned in regimental
gallantry at WALKER'S RIDGE on
April 27th.
Heavy firing early this morning
in front trenches but have not yet
learned if anything serious occurred.
N.Z. 1. Bg'de is to go into No 3
section of defences relieving an Aust.
Bg'de (West Coast Coy) goes in
today Taranaki tomorrow & so on
as owing to complicated nature of
trenches & position one new company
only per day is to take over.
Weather continues beautifully fine
a splendid climate here but now
getting too hot for work.
I took command of Ruahine Coy
Capt Short taking over my duties
at Batt. Headquarters meantime.
Battalion remained fully dressed all night
& stood to arms at 3am in case of
Turkish attack, which it was thought may
take place last night, but nothing
serious happened. There was local attack
on our left but it was repulsed without
reinforcements being necessary.
I visited No. 3 section with my
officers, to become well acquainted with
the position which we take over later.
The trenches there
the catacombs & a guide is needed
to show a newcomer through the
maze. The enemy trenches are only
50 to 80 yds distant in front. We
have miners at work putting in a
tunnel 15 feet below the surface
towards the Turks trenches so if
the enemy is discovered mining too
we should be below & can blow him
up. Very hot day & as usual
during last month, perfectly calm
weather. Yesterday a party of
the Wellington Mounted Rifle were out on
our left and got into a hot corner
being unable to get back until dark.
They were heavily attacked and before
regaining the trenches of a detached
post had 70 casualties. Amongst others
Capt. Hardham VC. was badly wounded &
Capt. Emerson killed.
An amusing tho' for a time rather
serious episode happened today. A
Turkish shell struck the cliff in our
gully here and penetrated into the bank
who had a “dug out” there. The shell
then burst and we all expected to be
3 men short, when a few seconds
later the earth stopped falling and
the smoke of the bursting projectile
lifted to show three men raising
their hats with a cheer. The
cheer was answered from below
and the incident closed amidst
much laughter. General Hd Quarters
today report that the Turks had
1500 to 2000 casualties during their
attack of Saturday morning it having
transpired that our artillery had
wrought havoc amongst their
ing
Hot Day. At 10 am Ruahine & H Bay
coys moved from
Post. Had a long wait in communication
trenches of
delay in effecting relief of posts. Eventually
got in to bivvys with my coy at 6 pm.
Wellington Batt. took over Courtenay's
Post Canterbury took Quinns' & Auckland
Pope's. Otago being in reserve.
Fine warm day. My coy. (Ruahine)
relieved Taranaki at 2 pm in front
line trenches for 48 hours shift. No
unusual occurrence in firing line but
individual fire & bombs going all night.
1 man wounded in the company.
Again very hot day. I spent the
whole night moving round trenches
in my section. Had 2
loopholes erected. This morning this
being discovered, Turks shelled our
trenches & blew out bodily 1 pair
of plates fortunately no loss of life
One man hit in shoulder by bullet
Several casualties in reserve bivouac
amongst Taranaki Coy. by snipers.
Must admit Turks have superiority
of fire owing to their higher sited
trenches overlooking ours. We can
only fire during day light by means
of periscope rifles & at night do
not fire much except in case of attack.
Our Japanese trench mortar bombs
(26 pounders) seem to have good effect &
must be demoralising to enemy.
wounded in trenches while engaged in
trying to locate a sniper in
trenches opposite. He was shot right
through the head & only lived about an hour.
This man, promoted only a week ago
to commissioned rank & posted to
my company (Ruahine) from Taranaki
was a most promising fellow and
having been associated with him for
a long time I deeply regret his loss.
Formerly he was a bank clerk in
At 10 pm a demonstration for
reasons, was made along our entire front
It was replied to by Turks & lasted about
an hour & a half. Remainder of night
usual trench warfare.
Quiet day here. At 11 am very heavy
cannonading began at ACHI BABA by
naval & field artillery, and lasted until
after 2 pm. No official news through
concerning the bombardment. My company
(Ruahine) was relieved by Taranaki at
2 pm in trenches, former remaining in
support.
At 11 pm last evening a sortie was
made under cover of darkness, by small
parties from our Section (
idea of demolishing with explosives the
Turkish trench only 20 yards in our front.
At same time small party also went
out in night with designs on a machine
gun emplacement on our right. What
success attended these efforts is not yet
known but they began a heavy engagement
which was kept up along whole front
from 11 pm till day break with great
shelling & continuance of action which
is still in progress (10 am). The uproar
of battle is awful & during darkness
rather weird to see flashes of artillery,
the trail of the projectile as the fuse
sparkles in the dark, the heavy trench
mortar & the bombs & grenades, always
accompanied by lines of flame from
rifles & machine guns and above all
the incessant din of battle. We are
well used to all this now & the
noise has no terrors except to the
ear drums & it sometimes keeps us
awake
our spell of rest from the firing line.
It appears that the sortie from Quinn's
Post by Canterbury men was successful.
They routed the enemy from their front trench
& captured 30 prisoners: However they could
not hold the trench taken as the Turks
next line was so close they could throw
hand grenades & bombs onto our men
as if throwing stones. We therefore
destroyed the position as far as possible
& vacated it.
Continuance of fine hot weather.
Last night comparatively quiet. Yesterday
morning when day broke Taranaki men
noticed that a field gun had been
brought up in night by Turks & was
“dug in” on a position only 400 yds
from our trenches and had opened direct
fire on our earthworks. Our artillery
having been informed we had the
satisfaction of seeing, after about 5
rounds from our guns, the enemy
gun go up in smoke & dust. This
morning early I regret that within about
half an hour 5 men of my company
rest(?) bivouac below the trenches.
Apparently enemy snipers had got up
during night to some position overlooking
our valley. Hundreds of casualties
have occurred in this valley during
the past month from this cause.
I again took over left section of
this post with my company yesterday.
During today usual sharpshooting
continues with occasional shelling
from both sides. Very warm weather
Received NZ mail. Also information
from Record Office that my brother
George died at sea on “Guildford
Castle” on 14/5/15 from wounds
received in action before KRITHIA
on 9/5/15. (see my notes of that date)
Last evening another sortie was made
from QUINN'S the post adjoining this but
was unsuccessful though it was only a
small affair & was not of much consequence.
The incident however led to heavy
firing for several hours but
My company was relieved from
Courtenay's at 2 pm yesterday and at
8 am this morning I took over left
half section of this position & which
contains 3 sub-posts. Hawkes Bay
coy taking right section of 3 posts.
This is recognised to be the hottest
position on our front (or anywhere else)
and is a very unique one certainly.
It would take pages to describe and
the skill of a professional man to
draw an accurate plan of the
maze of trenches bombproofs & tunnels
which form the position though the
actual post is only about 200 yds,
and in one place at least the Turks
trenches on ground sloping upwards
in their favour are only 10 yards distant.
The situation is governed by many
considerations principal among which
are that circumstances prevent our
artillery getting to work on the hostile
position & neither party can harass
each other by rifle fire but merely
keep them in their trenches. This
tho
have rushed them with the bayonet
at night & captured their front line
with many prisoners but their
successive trenches in rear & enfilade
fire made the place untenable.
So the fight goes on mostly with
hand grenades & bombs thrown
from trench mortars (on our side)
A climax will be reached
though for we have a gang
of miners driving three tunnels
12 feet from surface right forward
under the Turks. These are
now being connected up horizontally
and we hope soon to give them
a lift heavenwards with a few
cwt of guncotton. This post
being rather a trying one to the
men we work it 24 hours on &
24 hours off now.
Comparatively quiet night. West Coast
Coy relieved me at 9 am. My coy
going out for 24 hours rest.
Usual steady fighting throughout
My Coy (Ruahine)
& Hawke Bay returned to trenches
relieving West Coast & Taranaki
as usual. 2 am this morning
we made a mild demonstration
against enemy for tactical reasons
then firing died down & fairly
quiet day & following night
was experienced. Lieut Morison
& 2 men of H Bay Coy
were wounded slightly by a
bomb during afternoon.
Returned to rest bivouac at
9 am following usual procedure
of yesterday. Dawn brought some
artillery fire from Turks lasting a
couple of hours intermittently. This
was replied to by our batteries
3 pm hand grenade & bomb duel
took place on
little damage to us. We got
over 170 bombs away which seemed
to get home in their trenches
and severely damaged parapets etc.
Usual change – we
relieved West Coast Coy at QUINNS' POST
9 am Fairly quiet day, but 11-30 am we
fired a mine to stop enemy tunneling
towards us where we had discovered them
underground. Brisk fire was exchanged
through night but nothing unusual
I lost 1 man killed & 1 wounded today
and several on my right (Hawkes Bay Co)
were wounded by bombs.
9 am. Was relieved by West Coast &
proceeded to usual bivouac in rear
putting in quiet day. Fairly
heavy artillery fire over our valley
during afternoon but did not affect
our rest.
Returned for 24 hrs duty at
QUINNS' at 9 am. Fairly quiet day.
Turks have erected heavy timber
head cover over parts their trenches
last night. They also tried new dodge
of rolling high explosive bomb towards
our trench and exploding it with
rifle fire but so far have not got
them near enough to damage us.
Today detached 6 men to form
part of escort of Wellington Battalion
men for
ashore at Imbros. General Godley
visited our Post. today and went
through the trenches — on all fours, as
they are not very deep for men over
6 ft. Our miners have again
discovered enemy tunneling near
us underground in front of the
trenches. At 10 pm I sent out two
men to reconnoitre on my immediate
left towards enemys trenches. Each
man carried a hand grenade in addition
to rifle & bayonet. They were quite
cessful
and then for a time watched the
enemys trench from a distance of 10
to 15 yds. On seeing 2 Turks get
up to the parapet and begin to work
adjusting sandbags etc. they fired
each getting his man. Immediately
afterwards they hurled their bombs
which exploded right on the hostile
trench, then they made back safely,
being under cover of an old trench.
The Turks immediately opened fire &
sent up two rocket flares but to no
purpose and the incident closed.
Just before dawn a bombardment
with grenades & bombs took place
but this is quite an ordinary
occurrence now. No casualties resulted
and we destroyed a good deal of the
enemys parapet & overhead cover.
9 am West Coast Coy again relieved
Ruahine & we returned to bivouac
in local reserve. Today one
our aeroplanes dropped three 100
lb bombs on Turk trenches in
front of
considerable damage. Enemy
as on previous occasions wasted
a lot of ammunition trying to
hit the machine. (Sinking of
submarine was unofficially
received here today)
severe bombardment of Achi Baba
goes on at intervals & was
particularly audible from here
today.
9 am WWC & Taranaki Coys
were relieved from Quinns
to REST GULLY. I remained
in charge of local reserve
(Hawkes Bay & Ruahine Coys) in rear
of QUINNS'. No important
changes or fighting during day.+
Issue of rum all round in
commemoration of Wellington's victory.
9 am my local reserve
moved to
relieved by 2 coys Canterbury.
Several heavy Turkish shells landed
near H.Q. in
did no damage to men though
one exploded amongst the stores
& sent cheeses biscuits & meat
tins flying in all directions.
A big heap of picks & shovels
were likewise distributed but
did no damage. We now
get a spell for a few days
though working parties have
to be supplied each day; this
however is only for 4 hour shifts
and keeps the men from getting
too soft. The roads and
well sinking, building piers, shafts
& tunnels, miles of bombproof cuttings
along the hillsides and numerous
other constructions are wonderful
and would be an education to
many a budding civil engineer.
Another sultry day marked only
by few shells dropping in our
lines – one man being wounded.
Yesterday first mail from NZ
since receipt of our landing on
Gallipoli was received there. Another
sweltering day. Church service by
presbyterian chaplain was held.
Lieut Jardine (wounded 27/4/15) returned
to Hawkes Bay Coy for duty.
Longest day of the year and it
seems to be the warmest. I being in
rest bivounac lay sweltering in the
shade of a blanket all day. Fairly
quiet in our lines in front but shelling
goes on at intervals. During afternoon
a heavy high explosive one landed
hundred yards off across the steep
ravine with watercourse between.
Fortunately it buried itself before
exploding and then showered many
of us with earth dust &
Several of our bivouacs were torn down
& two men
lumps of clay but not seriously
hurt. Heavy bombardment by our
forces at Krithia &
on all day but no official news to hand.
Again very hot day. quiet in firing
line Col. Braithwaite of Div Staff
replaces
in command of N.Z Inf Brigade
Our battalion still in Mine
Gully in reserve. Men doing
4 hours fatigue duties on trenches
& other works daily. Weather
continues hot & dry. We continue
to hold our lines without any
serious engagements taking place.
Artillery fire is exchanged daily
with varying effect, but we are
now so used to it that we
Nearly every evening shells come
pretty close to us here but have
only lost 3 or 4 men in the week.
Last evening I sent up 2
platoons 13 & 16 to QUINN'S POST to
act as inlying picquet & await
the arrival of remainder on Friday.
8 am Ruahine (less 2 platoons
allready up) & Hawkes Bay Coys moved
to QUINN'S Post from
took over trenches we occupied on
previous occasions here. No serious
happenings to record usual bombs
& shooting going on with only
occasional casualties on our side.
Quiet night also. Post is much
improved with head cover & bombproof
now and miners have numerous
tunnels running right forward
below the enemys trenches 18 ft
from the surface. Good results
may be expected from mines here
later. Engineers can hear Turks at
work in tunnels but above us
West Coast & Tararaki Coys relieved
at 9 am we returned as usual
to local reserve gully for 24 hours.
This continues for 8 days – alternate
days being spent in post trenches.
Last night 9-30 we made a feint
attack to draw fire and succeeded in
our object. Quiet day today.
4 am we fired a mine at QUINN'S
which began a fire fight started by
the Turks. Little damage to us.
Ruahine & H. Bay again occupy
trenches. 1-30 pm we fired two
more heavy mines under the Turks
trenches and blew up a good part
of their works. For a time
bombing & revolver shooting took
place in the underground tunnels
where we burst into the enemy.
Weather remains very hot and
calm & flies are an awful pest.
W.W.C. Coy & Tar. Coy in trenches.
Fairly quiet morning but at 1 pm
as prearranged an attack took place on
our right by some Australian units
along our whole front in order to
prevent the Turks strengthening Achi
Babi position (where a big attack was
being made by us) by taking troops
from here. This was quite successful
but Australians who advanced to the
attack suffered heavily. Day was
otherwise normal. Weather conditions
remain the same; very warm & dry.
Ruahine & H. Bay Coys returned to
trenches 9 am. Very quiet day but at
9.30 pm Turks opened fire from the right
of us and soon the whole line was
heavily engaged. The night was dark
until moon rose at 11-30 pm and
the rifle & machine gun fire developed by
both sides was the heaviest I have yet
heard. At the same time a dust storm
suddenly arose and it was like hell
let loose. Bombs & shells began to fly
and for a time one could not open his
eyes for dust and the din was awful.
The fire slackened and died down at
11 pm but when the moon rose the Turks
opened again & attacked in front of Walkers
Ridge &
but their noise only amused our chaps
who held on and easily repulsed them.
Our casualties were slight. The fight
continued intermittently until dawn
when things became normal. We have
a few Turks to bury within our lines and I
expect there are many beyond. During
the fight at my post (QUINN'S) exploding
bombs ignited several dead Turks
just in front of our parapet. These
had been dead some weeks so that we
were pleased to see them cremated.
Usual reliefs took effect and day
has been quiet except for intermittent
shrapnel shelling. Men on Gen Sir
from Imbros. About 10 pm when it was
very dark before the moon rose Turks
opened heavy fire on us probably to
prevent our making a move under
cover of darkness. At the same time
a thunderstorm took place accompanied
by very constant & vivid lightning
which produced a weird effect.
Firing eased up about 11 pm and
we had a short downpour of rain
It appears that on night of
29th (see notes) the Turks made a
feint on our right & then made a
fierce attack on the left flank
(
positions were heavily shelled in
the dark beforehand but the Turks
were repulsed all along with much
loss. We had very few casualties.
Weather again clear & fine this
morning. and all effects of last
nights rain were gone by midday.
Ruahine & H Bay Coys returned to QUINN'S
Fairly quiet day. Exploded a 50 lb
mine 11 am to blow up some enemy
works under our front. Lt. Turnbull
returned to duty last evening from
Alexandria. Nothing out of ordinary
exchange of compliments during night
but I had 4 men wounded by bombs
falling into trench.
About 5 am enemy
shelled our trenches at QUINN'S and
blew out a machine gun emplacement
fortunately without injury to men or
the gun. Our guns replied and
damage was parapets & bomb screens
were knocked about.
9 am WWC & H Bay Coys relieved
us as usual. Fine day but dull
which is nice change from hot sun.
Fairly quiet last night. Ruahine
& H Bay Coys relieved again at QUINN'S
having easy day in trenches.
Enemy again shelled the trenches
at QUINN'S from close range, our
howitzers being unable to accurately
get the enemys gun emplacement
which was cleverly sited. Only
1 man wounded by shell & parapets
a bit damaged. At 9 am 2 coys
of Canterbury Batt. relieved us.
we proceeding to MINE GULLY for
a few days change. At 3 pm
WWC & Taranaki Coys followed
The Maori contingent arrived
here yesterday & have been granted
their wish to be sent to the front.
Fine hot day.
from day break enemy have been
heavily shelling our positions while
up the challenge and shells are
screaming over in all directions.
Fairly quiet – much as usual
men are doing about 4 hrs fatigue per
day constructing artillery roads etc
in preparation for an early change
in our dispositions. I visited the
Wgtn Mtd Rifles lines on “
below
present in reserve.
Weather continues
fine – fighting steady as usual.
Sgt. Thompson my pay & record clerk
wounded (broken leg). I much regret
losing him – one of my most reliable
NCO's. Quiet day.
Fine day as usual. Last night
Turks made several minor attacks
but were repulsed very easily.
Fairly ordinary day. About 3 pm
enemy shelled us a good deal
our guns replied particularly the
heavy howitzers which must have
dusted up the Turks trenches
very considerably HMS Scorpion
with good effect.
Usual day with ordinary
exchange of compliments. During
night Turks opened up a bit but
nothing serious occurred.
8 am with 3 platoons (No 16 with
Mr Carrington being left) I moved to
QUINN'S POST to support Canterbury
in that garrison. Artillery firing
good deal today also the HMS
“
Continuance of splendid summer
weather. Fighting goes on as usual
with occasional diversions and
attacks when mines are exploded
etc. Nothing unusual to record.
W.W.C. Coy & Taranaki moved
to QUINN'S to relieve Canterbury
H Bay Co joined mine in the gully.
Usual trench warfare continues
occasional heavy artillery duels
Ruahine & H Bay coys take
over QUINN'S as previously relieving
Taranaki & W.W.C. Usual fighting
in trenches with severe artillery
firing from Turks which caused
many casualties in STEELE'S and
Courtenay's. Our guns replied with
good effect.
Major Brunt went to hospital with pneumonia.
Usual reliefs. Ruahine & H. Bay
returning to gully. Quiet day.
Ruahine & H. Bay
returned to trenches 9 am. Fairly consistent
machine guns & bomb fire at intervals
but no special fighting. Several
slight casualties during day from
bombs. 5 pm Major Cunningham
went away (sick) and I
assumed command of the battalion
for the time being, leaving Lieut
Taylor i/c Ruahine Coy. Very
fine weather continues. Turks shelled
adjacent trenches with high explosive
doing some damage & causing
number of casualties.
About 5-30 am.
Turks opened with fusilade of
bombs from trench mortars &
in different localities wounded
of Ruahine Coy. 2nd Lieut. Stead
Canterbury Batt. reported to me
for duty temporarily and I have
attached him to Ruahine Coy.
Col. Malone O.C. Post went off
on a destroyer to view the
country along the coast preparatory
to impending operations there.
Gen. Birdwood inspected our trenches.
Quiet day mostly bombs
being exchanged very few casualties.
Bevy of war correspondents
visited our post. Usual
reliefs by half battalions is
being carried out. Ruahine &
H. Bay today in trenches.
Very quiet day as usual hot
and sultry. Fair amount of shelling
but no fighting of any consequences
in the trenches.
Heavy shelling at times but
otherwise quiet. Together with
Major Williams & Glasgow of the Australian
L. Horse & Major Sinell Auckland, I
went out on H.M.S. (destroyer) “Colne” for
a reconnaissance of country N. of Anzac
towards Hill 971 & village of
Boarded the destroyer per pinnace from
to QUINNS POST 7-30 pm after a useful
day. The change from sultry air
ashore too was very beneficial.
Heavy bombing at Quinns during
night. While aboard “Colne”. I
witnessed H.M.S. “Abercrombie” firing
on to shore targets these being
“spotted” by naval captive balloon
& a seaplane.
At 8 am Canterbury
Batt. relieved at QUINNS' POST and I
moved to MINE gully with Ruahine &
H. Bay Coys detailing W.W.C. Coy to
support Canterbury Batt. & Taranaki Co
(less 50 men) to support Auckland Batt.
going on at
Quiet day – we are in reserve for a few
days but men are doing heavy fatigues
on account of Otago being absent at Imbros
for a spell. We have learned today
through our Intelligence Dept. that the
Turks are about to bring up 100 000
reinforcements and make a great
attempt to score a victory. Also
that they intend to commemorate
constitution day (23rd) by a vigorous
offensive. We are quite ready to
receive them.
Quiet day again.
Very unpleasant owing to dust
caused by gusty winds which seem
to last only between hours of sunrise
and sunset. This latter circumstance is
fortunate as we are able to sleep
in peace. Began inoculation of our
batt. against Cholera yesterday. I
was done today. Heavy bombardment
is going on in some parts of the
end.
“Business as usual” and
very warm weather continues. We are
quite expecting an attack at any time
as Turks have been reinforced considerably
and it is very probable the period of
Constitution Day or thereabouts will
be chosen.
I relieved W.W.C. Coy today in support
of QUINN'S POST and sent up Ruahine Coy
to replace them at 9 am On Thursday
evening sent H. Bay Coy to garrison
part of Inner Defences at No 6 M.G. Post
They were relieved Friday 1 pm by
company of
having returned from spell at Imbros
the night before.
Today a coy. of 4th Aust. Brigade
moved to MINE GULLY from RESERVE GULLY
the latter being prepared for a new
brigade to arrive shortly.
As per usual. A few heavy bursts
were heard from the firing line during
the night and our Howitzers kept the
enemy on edge, but nothing of serious
nature occurred. We are rather disappointed
that the Turks have not attacked as we
hoped to have the satisfaction of dusting
them up again and of probably then
following on with an attack ourselves.
Now nearly completed anti-cholera
inoculation of our battalion. This has
had to be carried out as circumstances
permitted. It is quite voluntary but
very few objections have been found.
During the past four nights our
battalion has “stood to arms” in
general reserve for half an hour each
night during period before moonset,
but nothing in nature of attack
has occurred. Combined service by
Presbyterian Minister held at 7.30 pm
The battalion remains in general
reserve and few duties being necessary
is having a fair spell for a
week. It is very refreshing to be
able to get a sea bathe every day
or so.
As per usual. A good deal of
shelling and general fighting has
continued through the week in
the front lines and our beach &
depots also stop a good many shells.
Weather continues very warm & dry.
Lieut. Turby returned (severely wounded
on April 27th) to duty & temporarily
takes command of Ruahine Coy while
I act as C.O. of the battalion.
Received orders to resume
ing
8 am I took over garrisoning of
QUINN'S POST from Canterbury Batt.
(
& Taranaki in the trenches, Hawkes
Bay & Ruahine Coys being in local reserve.
100 men of Cant'y Batt. remain here
in order to keep garrison up to the
required strength. (Last evening instructed
Paymaster to transfer £50 from salary ac/
to Bank of A'lasia H/a to my account.)
Very quiet period.
At 9 am usual change took place — Ruahine
& Hawkes Bay Coys. manning the trenches.
Weather continues very fine indeed.
At 4-10 am. Turks exploded a mine
about 10 yards in front of our No 4 Post.
It was heavily charged and opened up the
surface of the ground for about 12 yards parallel
to our line but did absolutely no damage
to our works. The mass of earth &
debris however which was showered
over our habitations in rear and the
falling of a bank during the “quake”
wounding of 7 more. It was rather a
thrilling moment as we half expected
the enemy to follow up but had they done
so we should have been “top dogs” as
our trenches being unharmed our men
kept the firing line intact. After that
had very quiet day until 5 pm. At
that hour, owing to receipt of news
today of a victory at Persian Gulf
by our troops we decided to celebrate
it. It was prearranged & at 5 pm
the garrisons all along our lines
cheered and then
right, we fired a “fue de joie” at the
enemy's trenches. It had its effect
for Turks kept up constant fire for
about 15 minutes straight on end and
sent up an aeroplane to reconnoitre.
They probably thought we were
celebrating the arrival of new troops.
Last evening German aircraft tried
to get the beach depots with a
bomb but it landed nicely
a cwt bomb well in their trenches
earlier in the day.
Commander England of H.M.S. ‘Chelmer’
today visited our trenches with the
Brigadier (
Usual change of companies in
firing line. Fairly quiet morning.
Afternoon our artillery ‘pasted’ the
enemy lines particularly on extreme
right Tasmanian Post”
was to follow. The latter was duly
carried out by troops there (Aust. Div.)
who were very successful, capturing
a trench about 150 yds long and a
machine gun. During the operation
we kept up bombing & firing here
to contain the Turks on our front.
We also exploded 2 mines close to
Turk trenches. This was followed
by very heavy fire from enemy who
probably expected an attack.
On Friday afternoon a Turkish 6″
high explosive shell buried itself
right in our trenches fortunately
without exploding. The men dug
it out and it had penetrated about
six feet of hard clay bank. The
projectile weighs 60 or 70 lbs.
Aust. casualties at
alluded to above 10 killed & 74 wounded. Turks
left about 60 dead so wounded must be
considerable. HMS Mersey also did much
damage by firing on Turkish supports.
Usual occasional shooting etc. but
no active operations. Weather remains very
fine. Casualties of our battalion to this
date from our landing on Gallipoli.
Major Cunningham returned from Moudros
after 18 days sick leave. Lieut. Jardine also
returned (recovered from wound) Quiet day
as usual and very fine weather. We
exploded a mine under the Turks about
11 pm and this brought forth much fire &
rockets for a time. Night otherwise
uneventful except had three bomb
casualties (one fatal) Jennings, son of Taumaranui
M.P.
Major Saunders returned from hospital
to duty (wounded May 8 at Krithia) and
following changes occurred in commands.
Saunders resumed command of Ruahine
Coy. while I handed over battalion to
and I succeed the latter in charge of
Wg'tn (West Coast). Coy Very quiet
day in trenches Officers of 2nd
Aust. Light Horse visited our Post
on inspection as they are to relieve
from hospital (poisoned arm since May 6)
returned to duty with Taranaki Coy.
I take our W.W.C. Coy. with following
officers.
Capt Cross (sick on hospital ship) during
last few days. At 9 pm. we carried out
a ruse to draw fire of enemy & to keep
him apprehensive. This seemed to be very
successful
Major Saunders who returned to duty
yesterday is unable to remain as
his injured knee has again caused
him trouble. I therefore return to
command of Ruahine Coy. & Major
Saunders returns to the base. Quiet
day but at night we again kept
Turks on the qui vivre & much
firing took place.
2nd Light Horse relieved our Batt.
at QUINN'S POST & we put in
Aug 5/15 Continued
remainder of the day in local reserve
area completing equipment etc &
preparatory to moving to Happy Valley
North of ANZAC from where we
move to the attack in conjunction
with other troops in a big offensive
operation. Packs, blankets & oilsheets
are not being carried, & are being
stacked in MONASH GULLY under a
guard. All ranks engaged in the night
operations are to wear white armlets &
a white calico patch on the back to
distinguish them from the enemy. The
men have been busily sewing these on
and completing marching arrangements
this evening and from the good humoured
remarks & happy state of mind which
is noticeable I am much afraid for
the safety of the Turks. This evening
reminds me of the day before we
left Egypt, so keen & confident
are the men to get a change of
ground and the prospect of a big
move nearer our goal.
The preceding page (11) was the
last of my diary written on Gallipoli
(5/8/15) we moved up to “jumping off”
positions during night of 5/6th August
and thence launched our part of
the memorable offensive of 6th/8th
August in conjunction with the
new forces which landed at
The writer was wounded on
the 8th on “
which position the
had stormed the previous night.