The 28th: A Record of War Service in the Australian Imperial Force, 1915-19, Vol. I
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Title: The 28th: A Record of War Service in the Australian Imperial Force, 1915-19, Vol. I
Author: Herbert Brayley Collett
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THE 28TH
A RECORD OF WAR SERVICE WITH THE
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE,
1915-1919
VOLUME I.
EGYPT, GALLIPOLI, LEMNOS ISLAND,
SINAI PENINSULA
by
COLONEL H. B. COLLETT, C.M.G., D.S.O., V.D.
First C.O. of the Battalion
With Foreword by the Archbishop of Perth,
Chaplain-General to the Forces
[Illustration: ON THE SQUARE WITHIN THE WALLS OF SALADIN'S CITADEL.
30th August, 1915.
The Moqattam Hills and Napoleon's Fort in the distant background.]
Published by the Trustees of
the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery of
Western Australia
Perth
1922
[Copyright]
by Authority:
Fred. Wm. Simpson, Government Printer, Perth.
Blocks Supplied by
Read & Mckinley, Art Engravers, Perth.
CONTENTS.
FOREWORD: By The Most Rev. C. O. L. Riley, O.B.E., D.D., LL.D.,
V.D., Archbishop of Perth, Chaplain-General to the Forces. IX.
PREFACE XI.
CHRONOLOGY XIII.
CHAPTER I.
THE GENESIS.
W.A. in the South African War--The outbreak in 1914--Karrakatta and
Blackboy Hill--The first units to embark--Scheme for raising new
brigades--The 28th Battalion authorised--Enrolment of personnel--
Selection and appointment of Officers and N.C.Os.--Specialists
wanted--Equipping--Hard training--An accident--Hours off duty--Visit
from H.E. the Governor--Medical precautions--The March through Perth
--Final preparations for departure for the Front. =Page 1.=
CHAPTER II.
EN ROUTE.
Embarkation 9th June, 1915--The crowds along the route and at
Fremantle--Farewell to Australia--The "Ascanius"--Quarters and
messing--Other troops on board--Statistics--Training at Sea--
Lectures--Stowaways--Competitions in tidiness--Entering the
Tropics--Amusements--The Canteen--The Master--The East African
Coast--The Red Sea--Strange rumours--Arrival at Suez--First
contact with the Egyptians. =Page 15.=
CHAPTER III.
FIRST STAY IN EGYPT.
Disembarkation and train journey to Abbasia--The Land of Goshen
--Description of the Camp--Early difficulties--Institutes--The
newsvendors--Tidings from Gallipoli--Unrest in Egypt--The local
command and garrison--Inspection by Sir John Maxwell--Mobilisation
of the 7th Brigade--Training in the Desert--Night marches--The Zeitun
School--Formation of the 2nd Australian Division--Difficulties in
feeding the troops--Clothing for the Tropics--In quarantine--Sickness
--Pay and currency--Mails and the Censor--Amusements--Riots--The
military Police--Chaplains. =Page 28.=
CHAPTER IV.
FIRST STAY IN EGYPT (_continued_).
Distractions--A march through Cairo--Leave--In the bazaars--Gharri and
donkey rides--Esbekieh Gardens--The Kursaal and the Casino--Shepheard's
Hotel--Guides--Sightseeing--The Pyramids and Sphinx--Memphis--Sakkara--
The Tombs of the Sacred Bulls--The Cairo Museum--The Citadel and other
Saracenic remains--Some beautiful mosques--Old Cairo--The Nile--The
Egyptian aristocracy--Garrisoning Saladin's Citadel--A nephew of the
Senussi--The trials of a soldier--Souvenir hunting--Visitors from Home
--News of the August advance--Warned to proceed overseas--Entraining.
=Page 45.=
CHAPTER V.
GALLIPOLI.
Some account of the Gallipoli Peninsula--The naval and military
operations--Anzac Day--Arrival at Alexandria--Embarking on the
"Ivernia"--Prejudices--Through the Grecian Archipelago--The
"Southland"--In Mudros Bay--Closing the mail--In touch with the
"Aragon"--Transhipping to the "Sarnia"--The last stage--The first
glimpse of battle--Impressions--Landing in the "beetles"--Waterfall
Gully--The first casualty--Contact with the 4th Brigade--Move to the
Apex--Description of the position--Holding the salient--Condition of
the trenches--Artillery support--Telephones--Dugouts--The New Zealanders
--Attitude of the enemy--Sniping with field guns--Bombs, mortars, and
catapults--Broomstick bombs. =Page 58.=
CHAPTER VI.
GALLIPOLI (_continued_).
First night in the trenches--Cleaning up--Shell fire--Generals Birdwood
and Godley--No Man's Land--View from the Apex--Casualties--Pick and
shovel--Sleep--Turkish demonstration--Divine service--Visit of Sir Ian
Hamilton--Private Owen's escape--Company reliefs--Mining and tunnelling
--Salvage--Patrols--Our guns--Propaganda--Espionage. =Page 77.=
CHAPTER VII.
GALLIPOLI (_continued_).
Poison gas--Targets for the guns--A general--A false alarm--"The one
shall be taken--"--Relieved by the 25th Battalion--The fly pest--
Sickness--Bully beef and biscuits--Rum--Scarcity of water--Cooking--
Gathering fuel--Supply and transport--"Dunks." =Page 90.=
CHAPTER VIII.
GALLIPOLI (_continued_).
Lower Cheshire Ridge--Description of new position--A break in the
weather--Trenches--Tunnels--Timber and iron--Sniping--Ruses--The
Mohammedan festival--Arrival of reinforcements--Promotion from the
ranks--Formation of bombing section--Change in command of Brigade
--Canteen stores--Pay--A miss--Aeroplanes--Relieved by the 4th
Brigade--Taylor's Hollow--Beach fatigues--Soldiers as sailors--News
--Mails from Australia--Diversions--The naturalist--The beauties of
land, sea, and sky. =Page 102.=
CHAPTER IX.
GALLIPOLI (_continued_).
Move to Happy Valley--Visit of Lord Kitchener--Unsettled weather
--Humanity--A proposed stunt--The "close season for Turkey"--The
blizzard and its dire consequences--Increased enemy gun fire--The
arrival of the German heavies--Russell's Top--Three tiers of tunnels
--Death of the three majors--News of the evacuation--The main body
leaves the Peninsula--The Die-hards--Work of the Machine Gun Section
--The last man. =Page 120.=
CHAPTER X.
LEMNOS ISLAND.
Landing in the Bay--A sick battalion--Sarpi camp--The arrival of the
beer--Resting, recuperating, and refitting--Z Valley camp--Members
selected for distinction--Touring Lemnos--General description of the
island--The inhabitants--Kastro--Primitive agriculture--Mt. Therma--
Crowded shipping--The arrival of the billies--Christmas Day--A
conspiracy--The concert--The New Year--Leaving for Egypt. =Page 137.=
CHAPTER XI.
BACK TO EGYPT.
Alexandria--Arrival at Tel-el-Kebir--The transport rejoins--A deal
in tents--Kitchen trouble--A camp for two divisions--The battle of
1882--Short rations--Inspection by Sir Archibald Murray--Leave to
Cairo--The postal service--Training for savage warfare--Reinforcements
--General Paton--Transfers to the Camel Corps--Rumours of a Turkish
advance--Move to the Sinai Peninsula--The desert--Road and pipe line
--Camels--Ferry Post--The defences of the Suez Canal--Passing shipping
--Lumping and navvying--Secret service agents--Dangers to shipping in
the Canal--Ismailia--Gambling--Cerebro-spinal meningitis--A visit from
the High Commissioner in Egypt. =Page 148.=
CHAPTER XII.
PREPARING FOR FRANCE.
Three new divisions--Another 60,000 Australians--Transfers to new
units--Changes in establishments--Promotions--Talk of the Western
Front--Undesirables--Unfits--The khamsin--Assembling at Moascar--
Final preparations--Train to Alexandria--The "Themistocles"--The
menace of submarines--Through the Mediterranean--Malta--Approaching
Marseilles--Entering the harbour--The end of the first phase. =Page 162.=
APPENDICES.
Page.
A. List of Units raised and recruited by Western Australia 171
B. Roll of Honour 172
C. Casualties whilst with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force 174
D. Roll of Original Officers of the Battalion 175
E. Roll of Officers promoted from the Ranks between the 9th
June, 1915, and 21st March, 1916 177
F. Roll of Reinforcement Officers who joined the Battalion
between 9th June, 1915, and 21st March, 1916 178
G. Civil Occupations of Original Members of the Battalion who
embarked as Officers or were subsequently promoted to
Commissioned Rank 178
H. Nominal Roll of Original Members of the Battalion who
embarked at Fremantle on H.M.A.T. "A11" ("Ascanius"), 9th
June, 1915, and on "Boonah," 12th July, 1915 180
I. Nominal Roll of Members of Reinforcements who joined the
Battalion in the Field prior to the 21st March, 1916 201
J. Honours conferred on Original Members of the Battalion 218
LIST OF MAPS AND PLANS.
Cairo and Environs Facing page 52
The Great Pyramid Page 48
Portion of Gallipoli Peninsula, showing Allied Lines " 59
The Trenches at "The Apex" " 69
The Front Line on Cheshire Ridge " 103
Lemnos, Imbros, Tenedos, and Samothrace " 117
The Trenches on Russell's Top " 127
The Country adjacent to Tel-el-Kebir Facing page 148
The Australian Position in Defence of the Suez Canal, 1916 Page 155
The Australian Lines on Gallipoli Facing page 170
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
On the Square within the Walls of Saladin's Citadel _frontispiece._
Blackboy Hill Camp Page 3
Some of the Original Officers " 5
The Regimental Signallers " 9
The Machine Gun Section " 9
The March through Perth " 11
The March through Perth: the Crowd in St. George's Terrace " 12
The Farewell at Fremantle " 17
H.M's. Australian Transport "A11" " 21
Two very young Soldiers " 25
Abbasia Camp " 31
The Adjutant and "Tim" " 31
Brigadier-General J. Burston, V.D. " 35
Lieut.-Colonel C. R. Davies, O.B.E. " 35
Major J. Kenny, A.A.M.C. " 39
Captain J. J. S. Scouler " 39
The Wall of the Citadel " 47
View of Cairo from the Citadel Walls " 51
The Moqattam Hills " 51
The Citadel " 55
Chunuk Bair " 63
Williams' Pier, where the 28th landed " 66
The Apex " 71
At the Apex: using the periscope rifle " 74
"The Farm" " 74
In the Front Line at the Apex " 78
Excavating a "Bivvy" in the support trenches " 79
View from Baby 700 " 83
Major J. A. Campbell Wilson " 91
Captain J. Gettingby: The Quartermaster " 92
Sergeant C. R. Field " 96
Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant R. G. Sexty " 97
The Chailak Dere " 106
View of the Aghyl Dere " 107
"A" Company getting ready to move from the Reserve Position at
Cheshire Ridge " 111
The Q.M.'s Store of "A" Company at Cheshire Ridge " 112
The Sari Bair Ridge " 121
Headquarters of "C" Company, Happy Valley " 125
The Great Traffic Trench " 125
A Conference on Walker's Ridge, December, 1915 " 129
The view from Russell's Top looking into Malone Gully " 131
Captain G. D. Shaw, M.C. " 135
Captain T. O. Nicholls, M.C. " 135
The Camp at Sarpi, Lemnos Island " 141
The Shipping in Mudros Bay, 1915 " 141
On the Battlefield of Tel-el-Kebir, January, 1916 " 151
Ferry Post, showing the Suez Canal " 158
Ferry Post: the landing place on the East bank " 158
The Camp of the 28th at Ferry Post " 160
The Suez Canal: a liner in the fairway " 160
Private H. A. Franco, M.M. " 164
The Pioneer-Sergeant at work " 165
The 2nd Division crossing the Canal _en route_ to Europe " 169
The "Themistocles" at Alexandria " 169
FOREWORD.
_By The Most Rev. C. O. L. Riley, O.B.E., D.D., LL.D., V.D.,
Archbishop of Perth, Chaplain-General to the Forces._
I have been asked to write a short Foreword to the History of the 28th
Battalion. I do so with very great pleasure, for two reasons--Firstly,
because I have known Colonel Collett for many years, and, secondly,
because I approve of the History.
The present volume is the first of several that will attempt to record
the doings of those bodies of magnificent volunteers who went from
Western Australia and of whose achievements the country is so justly
proud. The Trustees of the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery of
Western Australia, as the custodians of the archives of the State, have
thought that those archives would be greatly lacking were a history of
our part in the World War not included. With that object in view, the
Commonwealth and State Governments have been approached and, largely
through the assistance of the Premier, the Hon. Sir James Mitchell,
K.C.M.G., and of the Minister for Education, the Hon. H. P. Colebatch,
M.L.C., a practical commencement is now made with the narrative which
concerns the 28th Battalion.
In the following pages we are not treated to long dissertations on
military tactics, nor to clear proofs of how the writer could have
concluded the war in half the time it really did take, if only the High
Command had carried out suggestions made by one who knew all about it.
You will find nothing like that in this book. Colonel Collett evidently
asked himself: "What do the friends of the men of the Battalion want to
know?" They want to know what the men did and what the Battalion did.
What was the daily life of the man in the training camp; on the
transports; in the war areas, and in the trenches. Of those who fell,
they want to know, if possible, how and when they fell and where they
were buried. Of those who were wounded, they want to know what they were
doing when they "stopped a bullet," and how they were afterwards
treated in hospital or in "Blighty." The public want a brief outline of
the great doings of the Battalion, and all these things are plainly and
proudly told by the writer.
I have often been in camp with Colonel Collett and know how thoroughly
he did his work there. I am sure that all the men of the Battalion,
their friends, and the public generally, will thank him for the loving
care and labour he has devoted to a task which must have been to him a
glorious record, and yet, at times, one full of sadness as he recalled
to mind the "passing out" of friend after friend.
C. O. L., PERTH,
Chaplain-General A.I.F.,
C. of E.
PREFACE.
In the pages which follow an attempt has been made to give some account
of how a Western Australian battalion was raised, organised, trained,
and lived. How and where it travelled, some of the things it did and
saw, and the nature of its environment. That is a large area to cover,
and I am only too conscious that the result achieved is far from
perfect.
This volume is confined to the period which terminated with the arrival
of the 28th Battalion at Marseilles. That first phase of the unit's
history was not so unimportant as might be thought. Although the
following years were marked by a series of great events, in which the
Battalion took a glorious part, yet there was a sameness in the
surroundings and a monotony of routine which was conspicuously absent
amongst the changing scenes and varied incidents of the earlier months
of service. In those beginnings was moulded the high character for which
the unit was ever afterwards esteemed. The trial by battle, hardship,
and disease had not found its members lacking, and a fine spirit of
comradeship had rapidly developed. With a high _morale_ it arrived on
the historic battlefields of Europe.
The few opinions offered in the course of the narrative are my own. They
have not been formed lightly. Any individual charged with the care and
direction of a body of his fellows must, of necessity--if he be worth
his salt--study causes and effects.
Certain names have been mentioned in the text. Doubtless there are
others equally worthy, but with the material I have had at my disposal
it has been impossible to do due justice to all. There does exist a
wealth of incident and anecdote which should be exploited but which, for
obvious reasons, has not been available to me, and although I have made
a general appeal to all ex-members to contribute to this record, a
perfectly natural diffidence has held the hands of the great majority.
For sins of omission and commission I beg the forgiveness of those with
whom I had the great honour of serving and for whom, as comrades, men,
and soldiers, I have the greatest respect and admiration.
The sources of information upon which I have had to mainly depend have
been:--A very imperfect Official War Diary; my own letters; my memory;
and a few contributions from former comrades. These last have been
received from Major E. G. Glyde, Captains A. M. P. Montgomery, A. S.
Isaac, N. W. Sundercombe, G. D. Shaw, T. O. Nicholls, and C. C. Flower.
But more particularly am I indebted to Lieut. J. T. Blair, who placed at
my disposal a considerable quantity of material which he had been at
great pains to collect whilst in London.
As regards photographs and maps: Valuable prints and drafts have been
supplied by the Trustees of the Australian War Museum. Mr. C. E. W.
Bean, the Australian War Correspondent and Official Historian, has very
kindly lent me photographs from his private collection. Mr. E. L.
Mitchell and Mr. W. Owen, both of Perth, have generously given
unrestricted permission to reproduce from their negatives, and certain
members, and relatives of members, have also contributed interesting
specimens. For the map of the Australian Corps' Front on Gallipoli, and
the plans and diagrams referring to Cairo, Tel-el-Kebir, and the
Pyramid, I have especially to thank Captain E. A. E. Andrewartha of the
Australian Staff Corps.
The publication of the Nominal Rolls of Members of the Battalion has
been made possible largely through the assistance of Major J. M. Lean,
M.B.E., the Officer in Charge of Base Records, Melbourne.
For historical data, descriptive matter, and a few other essentials, I
have also consulted the following works:--Barrett and Deane ("The
A.A.M.C. in Egypt"); Callwell ("The Dardanelles Campaign and its
Lessons"); Ellis ("Story of the 5th Division"); Hamilton ("Gallipoli
Diary"); Masefield ("Gallipoli"); "Military History of the Campaign of
1882 in Egypt" (official); Nevinson ("The Dardanelles Campaign");
Schuler ("Australia in Arms"); Sladen ("Oriental Cairo"); Woods ("Washed
by Four Seas"), and several others the names of which I cannot now
recall. I am also under a great obligation to J. S. Battye, Litt.D.,
B.A., LL.B., the General Secretary of the Public Library, whose
invaluable advice has guided me through a pleasing but arduous task.
HERBT. B. COLLETT.
Public Library,
Perth, W.A.,
June, 1922.
CHRONOLOGY OF THE 28th BATTALION, A.I.F.
1914.
August 4.--Declaration of War.
1915.
April 1.--Formation of the 7th Infantry Brigade approved and
Establishments issued.
16.--Orders issued in Western Australia for formation of 28th
Battalion of Infantry at Blackboy Hill. Necessary action
taken the same day.
23.--Lieut.-Colonel H. B. Collett appointed to command.
May 12.} "A" and "B" Companies proceeded to Rockingham for advanced
13.} training. Returned 22nd May.
27.--Visit and inspection by His Excellency the Governor of
Western Australia, Major-General Sir Harry Barron,
K.C.M.G., C.V.O.
June 3.--The King's Birthday. March through Perth, fully horsed and
equipped, with 1st Reinforcements.
6.--First Reinforcements embarked on H.M.A.T. "Geelong" at
Fremantle. Sailed next day.
7.--Visit and inspection by O.G. 7th Infantry Brigade--Colonel
J. Burston, V.D.
9.--The Battalion, less Transport details, embarked at
Fremantle on H.M.A.T. "Ascanius" (A11). Ship steamed out
the same evening.
24.--East coast of Africa sighted--south of Ras Jard-Hafun.
26.--Entered Red Sea.
29.--Suez sighted.
30.--Advance party landed and proceeded to Cairo.
July 2.--Battalion disembarked and proceeded by train to camp at
Abbasia.
5.--Inspection by Lieut. General Sir John Maxwell, General
Officer Commanding in Egypt.
12.--Sergeant Faulkner and Transport details embark at
Fremantle on H.M.A.T. "Boonah." Ordered that horses remain
in Australia.
August 4.--Formation of 2nd Australian Division in Egypt.
8.--Transport details rejoin the Battalion.
17.--March to and occupation of Citadel of Cairo. First draft
of reinforcements arrived and was taken on strength.
30.--Evacuation of Citadel and march to Aerodrome Camp,
Heliopolis.
September 1.--Embarkation orders received. Transport to remain in Egypt.
3.--Entrained at Qubba Station.
4.--Arrived at Alexandria. Embarked on H.M.T. "Ivernia." Left
harbour.
8.--Arrived off Lemnos Island.
9.--Entered Mudros Bay.
10.--Transhipped to S.S. "Sarnia" and proceeded in direction
of Gallipoli Peninsula. That night landed at Williams'
Pier and bivouaced in Waterfall Gully. Attached to New
Zealand and Australian Division.
11.--First casualty. Private F. T. Mitchell wounded. Moved up
Chailak Dere and bivouaced between Bauchop's Hill and
Little Table Top--Rose Hill.
12.--"Apex" salient taken over from New Zealanders. First
casualty in action. Lieut. F. E. Jensen dangerously
wounded. He died a few hours later.
13.--First visit by Corps and Divisional Commanders.
October 4.} Relieved by 25th Battalion. Moved to Lower Cheshire
5.} Ridge.
30.--"B" Company relieved by "A" Company 26th Battalion.
November 1.--"C" Company moved to Taylor's Hollow.
2.--"D" Company moved to Taylor's Hollow.
3.--13th Battalion took over sector. 28th Battalion
concentrated in Taylor's Hollow as Divisional Reserve.
For next five weeks main body engaged on works and Beach
fatigues.
12.--Moved to Happy Valley as support to 26th Battalion. Thus
rejoined 2nd Division.
13.--Visit of Lord Kitchener.
24.} Period of silence. Australians withhold their fire.
27.}
27.} Peninsula visited by a blizzard. Heavy snow and extreme
29.} cold.
December 4.--"A" Company went into line on Russell's Top.
6.--"D" Company went into line on Russell's Top.
7.--Headquarters and "B" Company proceeded to Russell's Top.
8.--"C" Company joins Battalion.
11.--Received orders to embark on day following.
12.--Relieved by 20th Battalion. Embarked, less M.G. Section,
on "Osmanich" after dark.
13.--Landed on Lemnos Island and marched to camp at Sarpi.
15.--Marched to Z Valley, South Camp.
20.--Lieut. G. D. Shaw and Machine Gun Section left Gallipoli
Peninsula with last of troops, 3.30 a.m. Rejoined
Battalion same day.
31.--Advance Party left for Egypt.
1916.
January 6.--Embarked on H.M.T. "Ansonia."
7.--Left Mudros Bay at 7.30 a.m.
9.--Entered Alexandria Harbour.
10.--Disembarked and proceeded by train to camp at Tel-el-Kebir.
Transport rejoined Battalion.
15.--Inspected by General Sir Archibald Murray, Commanding in
Chief in Egypt.
February 3.--Moved by train to Moascar. Thence marched to Staging
Camp--east bank of Suez Canal and opposite Ismailia. 7th
Brigade in Divisional Reserve.
6.--Moved back to Ferry Post to garrison Inner Defences of
Canal. Relieved 30th Battalion.
28.--Major C. R. Davies proceeded to Tel-el-Kebir to command
58th Battalion. Major A. W. Leane became 2nd-in-Command
of 28th Battalion.
March 8.--Relieved by the New Zealanders. Crossed Suez Canal to
Moascar Camp.
13.--Transport details and horses entrained for Alexandria.
Embarked on H.M.T. "Minneapolis" next day.
15.--Battalion entrained for Alexandria.
16.--Arrived at Alexandria at 6.30 a.m. Embarked on H.M.T.
"Themistocles." Left harbour same evening.
19.--Arrived off Valetta, Malta. Received orders as to route.
21.--Arrived in Marseilles Harbour.
The 28th:
A Record of War Service,
1915-1919.
CHAPTER I.
THE GENESIS.
The outbreak of the South African War in 1899 brought to the surface, in
the people of Australia, that innate love of the Old Country which so
marks the British race in whatever part of the world its members may
happen to reside. Each Colony made an offer of men who were anxious to
serve side by side with their kinsmen of the Regular Army. These offers
were accepted--not because the men were needed at that time, but for the
reason that statesmen recognised the existence of an era in the
development of the dominions overseas that demanded the admission of
their inhabitants to a share in the responsibilities attached to the
maintenance and promotion of the welfare of the Empire. The reverses to
the British arms which occurred during the opening months of the
campaign roused in Australia a spirit of intense loyalty and patriotism,
which was exemplified by renewed offers of assistance to the Government
in London. These offers received an early response, with the result that
across the Indian Ocean was maintained a steady stream of troops during
the whole two and a half years of operations.
Western Australia readily took up a share of the burden and played her
small, though not unimportant, part. Her contribution in troops
consisted of 64 officers and 1,167 other ranks, together with 1,179
horses. On a population basis this effort was greater than that of any
of the other Australian States. In casualties the various units (one
infantry and nine mounted infantry) suffered a loss of 40 by death and
86 by wounds. That the services rendered were valuable, worthy of the
State, and highly creditable to the individuals, may be gathered from
the fact that the following honours were awarded: 1 V.C., 2 C.B.'s, 7
D.S.O.'s, 8 D.C.M.'s, and 3 additional Mentions in Despatches.
When Europe burst into the flame and smoke of war in August, 1914,
Australia was unified in Government and a nation in sentiment--but
still a British nation. Her offers of assistance had been expected and
were graciously and gratefully accepted. The Western Australians once
more responded and, this time, in their thousands. Again the quota was
exceeded--reinforcements being supplied even for Eastern States'
units--and in all some 32,028 soldiers and nurses enlisted for service
overseas during the period of 1914-1918.[A] Over 6,000 of these laid
down their lives for Australia and the Empire, and many thousands more
were wounded and maimed.
The 28th Battalion was one of three battalions wholly recruited and
organised in Western Australia. It did not take the field in time to
participate in the earlier days on Gallipoli, but showed its mettle in
many a subsequent hard fight. Its deeds, and those of the other units
which left these western shores, gained the unstinted admiration of the
remainder of the Australian Imperial Force and constitute no mean
record.
The contingents for South Africa were trained on the military reserve at
Karrakatta. There there was a rifle range and sufficient space for the
exercise of small bodies of troops. When, in 1914, it became obvious
that larger numbers would be involved, a search was made for a greater
and better camp site and training area. Eventually this was found at
Blackboy Hill, which is situated about a mile east of Bellevue and quite
close to the Eastern Railway. This area had been used by the Citizen
Forces during the annual training of that year and found very suitable
for dismounted work. The camp site is a rounded knoll of some few acres
in extent, possessing the advantages of good natural drainage, a liberal
number of shady trees, and firm soil underfoot. The surrounding country
is broken by the foothills of the Darling Range and intersected by
roads, fences, and--here and there--small watercourses. However,
sufficient level ground is available to suit ordinary purposes and,
altogether, the locality lends itself admirably to the training of
infantry in platoons.
Here, then, when the first attested men were called up, were pitched the
tents and marquees to shelter the troops. At the outset conditions of
life were rough. The limited trained staff available, and the absence of
many of the services recognised as essential in order to make military
administration efficient, harassed the newcomers and caused a waste of
time, together with considerable dislocation in the training. Later on,
under successive camp commandants, conditions much improved. Efficient
services were installed and competent men were trained to work them.
Eventually Blackboy Camp came to be known throughout Australia as one of
the most complete and comfortable.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: BLACKBOY HILL CAMP.
_Photos. lent by Mr. E. L. Mitchell, Perth._]
The camp was rapidly filled and, as units moved out, filled again.
Before the end of February, 1915, there had proceeded overseas the 10th
Regiment of Light Horse, the 8th Battery of Field Artillery, the 11th
Battalion, the major portion of the 16th Battalion, and one company of
the 12th Battalion; together with various technical and administrative
units and detachments.
Recruits continued to pour in, and the men forthcoming were more than
sufficient to supply the reinforcing drafts which were sent forward
monthly. During February the Australian Government decided to raise
further Light Horse Regiments and the 5th and 6th Brigades of Infantry.
The 5th Brigade was to be furnished by New South Wales with one
battalion (20th) from Queensland. Victoria was to supply the 6th
Brigade, with two companies each from South and Western Australia to
form the 24th Battalion.
The two companies ("C" and "D") of the 24th Battalion were immediately
formed from the depot units in camp and commenced to equip and train.
Hardly had this been done when Headquarters announced the raising of
even another brigade of infantry--the 7th. On the 1st April the
establishments for this were issued. One and a half battalions (25th and
26th) were to be supplied by Queensland; half a battalion (26th) by
Tasmania; and one battalion each by South Australia (27th) and Western
Australia (28th). Added to this was a brigade staff of five officers and
21 other ranks to be raised from all districts. This new proposal
necessitated some re-arrangement in respect to the 5th and 6th Brigades.
The responsibility for the 20th Battalion reverted to New South Wales.
Victoria likewise undertook to provide sufficient men for the 24th
Battalion.
The Commandant of Western Australia, therefore, found himself called
upon to raise and equip a complete new unit consisting of 32 officers,
994 other ranks, and 63 horses, together with two machine guns, nine
bicycles, and 13 transport vehicles.[B]
On the 16th April definite instructions were issued to the Officer
Commanding at Blackboy Camp to organise the new battalion from the
troops then under canvas. Action was immediately taken, and what were
formerly "C" and "D" Companies of the 24th Battalion became "A" and "B"
Companies of the 28th. Two new companies were formed from the depot
units, and the whole four were then moved to separate lines and placed
under the temporary command of Captain L. B. Welch, who had 2nd Lieut.
C. H. Lamb to assist him as Adjutant. Other officers from the depot
helped in the organisation and administration.
[Illustration: SOME OF THE ORIGINAL OFFICERS.
_Photo. lent by Mr. E. L. Mitchell, Perth._]
On the 23rd April Lieutenant-Colonel H. B. Collett was appointed to the
command. This officer had formerly commanded the 11th Australian
Infantry Regiment and the 88th Infantry Battalion (both of the Citizen
Forces) in Perth, and had had considerable experience in military
training, administration, and organisation. His first consideration was
the selection and appointment of officers and non-commissioned officers,
and the formation of the specialist detachments which were to be an
integral and important part of the Battalion.
In the selection of officers little discretionary power was allowed the
Commanding Officer. A Selection Board, appointed by the Minister for
Defence, and sitting at Perth, recommended appointments. Very often this
was done without a full knowledge of the candidate or of his
qualifications. Under such circumstances some friction was bound to
occur between the Board and the Commanding Officer. Eventually, however,
it was possible, by means of compromise and adjustment, to gather
together a reasonably sound team of officers. Major C. R. Davies, an
officer of the 84th (Goldfields) Infantry, and a barrister of Boulder,
became Second-in-Command. Captains A. W. Leane, L. B. Welch, and J. A.
C. Wilson were promoted to the rank of Major and appointed to companies.
A fifth major--F. R. Jeffrey--was transferred from Victoria and took "B"
Company. This last-named officer, like the Second-in-Command, had seen
service in South Africa, and had recently returned from England, whither
he had conducted a draft of Imperial Reservists. A number of junior
officers were found from the N.C.Os. attending a school of instruction
for candidates for commissions. In the following years most of these men
did exceedingly well. One of them commanded the Battalion during the
major portion of 1917.
The selection and appointment of non-commissioned officers was a process
of a different kind. With a large body of men unused to military
formations and methods, the urgent need was to find other men who had
had some slight experience and could teach the raw material routine and
system and show it its place in the ranks. It did not, however, follow,
that the same men, with their slight experience, were so equipped
mentally and physically as to render them efficient leaders and
commanders in the field. Another factor to be borne in mind was that
from the ranks of the N.C.Os. would, in the future, be drawn the men to
fill the gaps caused by casualties in the commissioned ranks. The
qualities expected of an officer were personality, moral as well as
physical courage, education, health, and a sporting disposition. The
education sought was not necessarily academic, but such as indicated a
capacity for rapid thought and for expression in speech and writing,
together with a knowledge of men and their ways.[C] A high standard was
thus set, and this being considered, all wearers of stripes were deemed
to hold their rank temporarily--confirmation being dependent on their
acquiring efficiency and displaying the desired qualifications. This
method of appointment held good until after the Battalion's arrival in
Egypt, and resulted in the collection of a most admirable body of
subordinate leaders. Many of these same N.C.Os.--as officers--afterwards
earned great distinction for themselves and for the unit. They were
indeed the "backbone of the army."
The formation of the specialist detachments was rendered comparatively
easy by the presence in the ranks of much excellent material. The
Signallers were taken in hand by 2nd Lieut. J. J. S. Scouler, formerly
attached to the Australian Intelligence Corps, who had passed through a
signalling course in Victoria. He quickly gathered round him a body of
enthusiastic young men whose efficiency subsequently became the envy of
the other battalions and the admiration of the Division. The team for
the two Maxim guns was organised and partly trained by Captain H. B.
Menz. About the middle of May, however, 2nd Lieut. G. D. Shaw was
appointed to the Section, and later commanded it most efficiently until
the date it was absorbed into the 7th Machine Gun Company at Ferry Post,
about the beginning of March, 1916. From the _personnel_ of the original
unit quite a large number of officers for the Machine Gun Corps was
afterwards drawn. 2nd Lieut. T. D. Graham was appointed Transport
Officer, and had little trouble in getting suitable men to look after
and drive his horses and vehicles. He was fortunate in having to assist
him Sergeant F. L. Faulkner, who had served with transport in India.
Captain John Kenny was attached as Regimental Medical Officer. On him
devolved the responsibility for selecting and organising the Army
Medical Corps details and the Stretcher Bearers. Both detachments were
extremely useful. The Pioneers were chosen, and an excellent body of
tradesmen secured. Numbering ten, they were placed under the immediate
control of Sergeant J. W. Anderson--a Scotsman who afterwards became one
of the best known members of the Battalion.
The warrant ranks were filled by the appointment of Sergeant J.
Gettingby as Regimental Sergeant-Major; Sergeant R. G. Sexty as
Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant; Sergeants B. A. Bell, P. T. C. Bell,
W. S. Appleyard, and H. M. Cousins, as Company Sergeants-Major; and
Sergeants S. Jones, N. Graham, J. R. Gunn, and C. J. Piper as Company
Quartermaster-Sergeants. With two exceptions, all these warrant officers
subsequently attained commissioned rank.
2nd Lieut. C. H. Lamb was confirmed in the appointment of Adjutant and
eventually received promotion to the rank of Captain. Upon him devolved
a mass of detail work. This he handled with energy, skill, and success,
and had very willing help from the Orderly Room Clerks--Sergeants E. C.
Francisco[D] and S. S. Thompson.
A few other special appointments were made: Armourer-Sergeant L. C.
Lewis to do minor repairs to the arms; Sergeant-Drummer W. T. Hocking to
train the buglers and drummers; and Sergeant-Cook T. R. Graham to
supervise and instruct in the kitchens. Shortly after embarkation
Sergeant-Shoemaker F. Cox was allotted the work of looking after the
footwear.
No chaplains were appointed to the Battalion, but four were gazetted to
the Brigade. One of these, the Very Rev. Dean D. A. Brennan, of the
Roman Catholic Denomination, and lately stationed at Narrogin, reported
at Blackboy Camp. For many months he was attached to the 28th and shared
its life in Egypt, Gallipoli, France, and Belgium.
The process of selection for the various appointments and duties took
time. In the meanwhile the work of organising the platoons and companies
continued, and much care was devoted to the training and equipping. For
the first fortnight or so equipment came along very slowly. The Ordnance
Stores were practically empty. Fresh supplies had to be obtained from
the Eastern States, or collected from the Citizen Force units. It was
not until within a few days of embarkation that all demands were met.
This condition of affairs was bound to have an adverse effect on
training, but, on the whole, much progress was made, and the unit soon
began to take form and become easier to administer and handle. The
number of officers available gradually increased, and two warrant or
non-commissioned officers of the Instructional Staff were attached to
each company in order to assist. The latter did exceedingly valuable
work. A special class was formed for the purpose of instructing in their
duties those men who aspired to wear stripes. In the training of
sections and platoons, emphasis was laid on the necessity for obtaining
a condition of physical fitness, and acquiring a thorough knowledge of
the use of the rifle, the bayonet, and the spade. Physical exercises
were followed by short marches of one or two hours' duration. After
passing the elementary tests, companies, in turn, proceeded to Osborne
Rifle Range and fired the recruits' course of musketry. A satisfactory
figure of merit was obtained. For the more advanced training it was
intended to move the Battalion to a camp at Rockingham. During the
second week in May two companies proceeded there and the camp was
established under the command of Major Davies. However, on account of
the rumoured early embarkation, these companies had to be recalled, and
the whole unit was once more concentrated at Blackboy Hill. Training
proceeded energetically, with the result that officers, and other ranks
within the companies, quickly settled down--daily becoming more and more
accustomed to their tasks.
[Illustration: THE REGIMENTAL SIGNALLERS.]
[Illustration: MACHINE GUN SECTION.
_Photos. lent by Captain G. D. Shaw._]
The health of the members was good. Very few cases of infectious
disease, and fewer cases of serious illness, were reported. The
situation of the camp, together with the insistence on the cleanliness
of the lines and person, had a beneficial effect in this direction.
Unfortunately one death occurred. Private F. W. Hopkins fell into an
unprotected clayhole and was drowned. A few of these excavations existed
on the western edge of the training area, and were a menace to those
taking a short cut from the railway station at night time. All ranks
submitted to vaccination and inoculation. This was unpleasant, but the
medical history of the war has since demonstrated the value of the
measures.
Discipline was fairly satisfactory from the outset and rapidly improved.
At the commencement every member was given to understand that a high
sense of duty and a strong _esprit-de-corps_ were essentials for
success. Both these traits were later very fully developed, and the
regard that 28th men always had for their battalion was a subject of
frequent comment in the A.I.F.
In all the preliminary work of organisation and training, the Commanding
Officer had the great advantage of the sympathy, practical support, and
advice of the District Commandant--Colonel J. H. Bruche. This help was
invaluable, and resulted in the establishment of sound methods and the
promotion of happy relations with mutual confidence between all ranks.
Although training and other duties absorbed long hours, leave was given
daily after the tea hour and until near midnight. Half-holidays were
also observed on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Leave from Saturday afternoon
to Sunday evening was granted, too, on a liberal scale. Before
embarkation every man was entitled to four days' leave in order to give
him a final opportunity of attending to his private affairs. This was
taken by many. In the camp itself efforts were made to amuse those who
stayed in during the evening. In this respect the Y.M.C.A. did most by
providing a large marquee wherein concerts and other forms of
entertainment were given almost nightly. A post office and writing
room--with free stationery--were also established by these voluntary
helpers. Surrounding the camp were numbers of booths and shops where
necessaries could be purchased and harmless refreshments obtained.
Friends and relations frequently visited the camp during the idle hours.
[Illustration: THE MARCH THROUGH PERTH.
3rd June, 1915.
_Photo. lent by Mr. E. L. Mitchell, Perth._]
[Illustration: THE MARCH THROUGH PERTH.
3rd June, 1915.
The crowd in St. George's Terrace.
_Photo. lent by Mr. W. Owen, Perth._]
His Excellency the Governor, Major-General Sir Harry Barron, K.C.M.G.,
C.V.O., showed great interest in the unit, and on the 27th May attended
at the camp and addressed the members in an informal manner after the
evening meal. He told them of his own experiences in the army, and, in a
way that was greatly appreciated, tendered much wholesome advice.
Towards the end of May it was known that the day of embarkation was
closely approaching. Efforts were made to complete the final issues of
kit and clothing, and furnish the seemingly endless number of
documentary records required by the Defence Department. A final and
close inspection of the _personnel_ was carried out. All men in the
Battalion had been pronounced "fit." Vaccinations and inoculations had
been duly performed. Yet there still remained in the ranks a number of
men who, for various reasons, were unfit to go abroad as soldiers.
Others there were whose family affairs were causing them anxiety and
necessitated delay in their departure. Again, others--a few only--felt
their ardour waning as the days of their stay at Blackboy grew fewer. In
all these instances the men concerned were either discharged or
transferred back to the depot units. The Battalion was the better for
the changes.
June 3rd was the anniversary of the Birthday of His Majesty the King.
The 28th, together with certain other troops from the training camps,
was to march through Perth and, in doing so, be inspected by the
Governor and the District Commandant. In preparation, the riding horses
and wheeled transport went to Perth the previous night and parked at the
Drill Hall. The Battalion itself proceeded to the city by train, and by
10.30 on the morning of the 3rd had formed up in James Street. It then
marched by Beaufort, Barrack, Hay, and Bennett Streets; thence along St.
George's Terrace, returning to the Railway Station by Milligan, Hay, and
Barrack Streets, and re-entraining for Blackboy Hill. The Governor took
the salute from a point opposite Government House. The Battalion
presented a fine spectacle, and received a magnificent reception from
the enormous crowds that thronged the thoroughfares. The newspapers, in
subsequently describing the proceedings, referred to an unprecedented
muster of the public and an extraordinary display of enthusiasm. The
people were evidently proud of their new unit, and the men had pride in
themselves.
During the first week in June, definite information was received as to
the transports allotted and the dates of embarkation. By the 6th June
everything was ready. On that day the 1st Reinforcements, consisting of
99 rank and file under the command of Lieut. J. F. Quilty, went on board
the transport "Geelong," which had arrived in Fremantle the day before
and carrying the 27th Battalion. Dean Brennan also embarked, having been
ordered for duty with the South Australians during the remainder of
their voyage. Sergt. F. L. Faulkner, together with the 11 drivers and 53
horses of the Regimental Transport, was to follow by a boat the date of
sailing of which had not then been fixed.
At this time orders were received to detach Major F. R. Jeffrey
temporarily to act as Second-in-Command of the South Australian unit. He
duly reported and another officer, Lieut. P. E. Jackson, was sent on
shore in exchange. In consequence of this alteration, Captain W. G.
Stroud was given the temporary command of "B" Company.
On the afternoon of the 7th June, the Brigadier of the 7th Brigade,
Colonel J. Burston, V.D., accompanied by his Staff Captain, Captain M.
J. G. Colyer, visited the camp and made the acquaintance of this portion
of his command. The Brigadier, who had been personally known to the C.O.
for some years, expressed his pleasure at what he saw of the unit and of
its promise for usefulness and efficiency.
FOOTNOTES:
[A] _See_ Appendix A.
[B] This establishment was maintained until early in 1916, when
modifications were made during the Battalion's stay at Ferry Post.
Further material changes took place from time to time in the two years
and eight months of the unit's campaign in France and Belgium.
[C] _See_ Appendix G.
[D] Afterwards Captain (temporary Major) E. C. Francisco, 50th Battn.
CHAPTER II.
EN ROUTE.
The riding horses, transport wagons, and heavy baggage, having been sent
to Fremantle the previous day, shortly after noon on the 9th June the
Battalion proceeded in two trains to the port. Although officially the
date and hour of departure had not been disclosed, certain indications
had conveyed that information to the public. The consequence was a
series of demonstrations along the route. The engines in the railway
yards made loud and prolonged noises in imitation of barnyard
inhabitants, flags and handkerchiefs were waved, and many cheers given
to speed the Battalion on its way. On Victoria Quay was a large
concourse of people for the purpose of bidding farewell to relatives and
friends. This somewhat interfered with the embarkation, but by 4.30 p.m.
the last man and horse and the last piece of impedimenta were on board.
The District Commandant personally superintended the operation. He was
accompanied by the Chaplain-General, the Most Rev. Dr. Riley, Archbishop
of Perth, whose kindly and encouraging words gave great heart to those
setting out on so serious a task. In a letter to the Commanding Officer
he had written--"Will you tell your officers and men how proud I have
been of their conduct in camp and how we all trust the honour and
reputation of W.A. in their hands with the utmost confidence. Good-bye
to you all, a safe journey, valiant work, and a speedy return crowned
with victory."
About 5.30 p.m. the transport left the quay and moved towards Gage
Roads. Although the evening meal had been arranged for on the troop
decks, very few attended. Nearly all desired to wave a last good-bye to
those they were leaving behind and to catch a parting glimpse of the
land they might never see again. Gage Roads was reached and darkness
coming down shut out the last view of Australia. Here final matters in
connection with the records and pay of the troops were arranged, the
embarkation and pay staffs left the ship, the engine bells rang, and the
long voyage began.
The transport was the S.S. "Ascanius," known officially as the
"A11," a steel twin-screw vessel of the Blue Funnel Line, built in 1910,
and with a registered tonnage of 10,048. She had a length and breadth of
493 feet and 60 feet, respectively, and was fitted with three decks.
The two lower decks were divided into areas and a certain number of
tables and forms were placed in each area. Each table accommodated a
mess of a number varying from 12 to 22 men. Before leaving Blackboy Hill
the troops had been divided into messes corresponding to the ship's
equivalent space. Consequently, on arriving at the top of the gangway
when embarking, each party was met by a guide and taken direct to its
quarters. Hammocks, blankets, and eating utensils were issued forthwith
and they were shown where to stack their rifles and kits. Also,
instruction was given as to the measures necessary to prevent fire or an
outbreak of disease. Later on, when the decks were cleared, boat
stations were pointed out, boats' crews detailed, and collision-fire
measures practised. The promenade and boat decks were kept free for
recreation and instructional work. The after well-deck held the horse
shelters and an auxiliary kitchen. Under the fo'c'sle head was the main
kitchen. Situated on the poop deck was a small isolation hospital. A
separate mess and quarters received the warrant officers and sergeants;
whilst the officers were allotted what had once been the accommodation
for passengers.
The ship had commenced its journey at Brisbane, and on arrival at
Fremantle already carried the two Queensland companies of the 26th
Battalion (Majors F. M. O'Donnell and P. Currie), the 17th Company
A.A.S.C. (Captain A. E. Harte), and a portion of the 7th Field Ambulance
(Lt.-Col. R. B. Huxtable, V.D.). At the W.A. port the Brigade Commander
and the Staff-Captain embarked. Altogether, with the western unit, some
1,750 of all ranks were now leaving Australia.
Here it may not be out of place to mention that certain statistics
concerning the 28th Battalion, collected during the voyage, showed that
approximately 50 per cent. of the officers and other ranks were
Australian born. The other moiety was composed almost wholly of natives
of the British Isles. A Russian, a Maltese, a Scandinavian or two, and a
few others, were the only exceptions. The average age was in the
vicinity of 24 years and only 143 married men could be counted. The
recruiting area had been extensive and those enlisted included the
professional and business man, the artisan, clerk, shop assistant, and
labourer from the metropolis; the shearer, drover, and pearler from the
north-west and far north; the farmer from the eastern and south-western
districts; the timber worker; and the miner and prospector from the
goldfields. In all some 150 civil occupations were represented, the
principal ones being as follows:--Labourers 199, farmers and farm hands
109, miners and prospectors 70, timber workers 64, clerks 60,
carpenters and joiners 27, horse drivers 18, pearlers 17, grocers 16,
engineers 13, and butchers 13.
[Illustration: THE FAREWELL AT FREMANTLE.
9th June, 1915.
_Photos. lent by Mr. E. L. Mitchell, Perth'_]
For the first two or three days of the voyage the rather choppy sea and
consequent motion of the boat caused some sickness. This prevented close
supervision and the adoption of strict routine at the outset and laid
much extra work and worry on those who had good sea legs. However, about
the third day out very few were absent from meals, the ship was becoming
known, and it was found possible to put into execution plans for
training, exercise, and amusement. The deck space was so used that each
unit had definite periods and places on it. Sufficient room to work all
the troops at the one time was not available, but by the methods adopted
every man got at least three hours' active training daily. The utmost
use had to be made of the opportunities afforded. For the purposes of
training, the time spent at Blackboy Hill had been all too short. So
much still remained to be taught and to be learned; also, the period for
acquiring knowledge that would be allowed at the other end could only be
conjectured--in any event it was likely to be of short duration. Stress,
therefore, was laid, firstly, on keeping the physical exercises going
and, secondly, on continuing the instruction in musketry, and getting
the soldier more and more used to the rifle as his main weapon of
offence and defence. Theoretical instruction was given on half a hundred
subjects ranging from the hygiene of the person to the role supposed to
be played by the cavalry and artillery in a general action. All ranks
were quick at assimilating knowledge. Perhaps the best results were
obtained during the informal talks which took place between officers and
men in the "sit easy" periods. The specialists were given opportunities
for paying greater attention to their own peculiar work, and in this, in
particular, the signallers made great strides. Machine gunners had
facilities for practice at floating targets, which targets were also
used for revolver firing.
The Warrant and Non-Commissioned Officers had longer hours. After
parades were dismissed they were often required to attend lectures
dealing with the functions of subordinate leaders. Officers, as a rule,
had a very full day. The personal attention demanded from them in
respect to all matters affecting the welfare of their platoons or
companies, the supervision of the duties necessary for the effective
working of the ship's services and routine, and the study of the
subjects for the following day's instruction, left them little leisure.
Their own education was not neglected. Twice daily lectures were given
in the saloon--usually in the presence of the Brigadier. Lecturers were
detailed in turn and the subjects were varied. On the whole the lectures
were good. A few fell short of what was required, but usually the
discussion which followed such effort made up for any defect in the
lecture itself. Occasional flashes of unconscious humour often saved the
indifferent performer from boring his audience.
Duties absorbed a platoon or more daily. Guards had to be found to
provide sentries to give the alarm in case of fire, accident, or
collision. Police were detailed to see that the orders designed to
prevent outbreaks of fire or disease were observed. Sweepers and
swabbers cleaned down the decks twice in every 24 hours. Stable picquets
looked after the horse deck. Mess orderlies saw to the drawing of
rations, serving of meals, and cleansing of mess utensils. On entering
the tropics the ship's captain asked for volunteers for work in the coal
bunkers. His crew was hard pressed. These volunteers were forthcoming
and for their services received extra pay.
Within a few hours of leaving Fremantle no less than seven stowaways
were found. The first discovered was a small lad, dressed in the uniform
of the military cadets, who said his age was 17 years. He gave his name
and address as Herbert Hamilton, of Midland Junction, and, when brought
before the C.O., manfully expressed his desire to serve in the army. By
means of the wireless telegraph his parents were communicated with and
their consent to his enlistment obtained. As the Battalion was already
at full strength, Hamilton was taken on the roll of the Queensland
infantry. For a time the Brigadier took him under his personal care, but
after Gallipoli he joined his unit and did good service with it
throughout the remainder of the war. The balance of the stowaways were
men from Blackboy Camp. One or two had been discharged from service
there and merely wanted to "get away." They were given work in the ship.
The others were anxious to serve and, after examination, were also taken
on by the 26th Battalion. In addition to stowaways four men had been
taken on board who belonged to the 27th Battalion and had failed to
re-embark on the departure of the "Geelong" from Fremantle.
After the first few days the routine of the ship went very smoothly.
Eight N.C.Os., appointed Troop Deck Sergeants, were responsible for the
cleanliness and order of their respective quarters. Satisfactory results
were thus obtained. Competition in regard to the best kept mess was
keen. Utensils were polished like silver and arranged in designs that
often displayed much originality on the part of the mess orderlies. "A"
Company gained especial credit in this respect.
Discipline remained good, the only offences being minor ones. The food
provided was, now and then, a cause for complaint. In the first place
the scale laid down by the Imperial authorities was inadequate to
satisfy the appetites of a meat-eating race like the Australians.
Secondly, the method of cooking showed lack of knowledge on the part of
the ship's staff and was not economical. Add to these two factors the
want of experience on the part of the mess orderlies in equally dividing
up the food supplied them--then the occurrence of the complaints can be
easily understood.
The living quarters in the ship were well ventilated--additional
draughts of air being ensured by the free use of wind-sails and chutes.
This, and the regular exercise daily, together with the anticipation of
the life and work ahead, kept all ranks in good health and spirits.
Measles and influenza appeared a few days after the commencement of the
voyage and claimed 40 or 50 victims, but no serious results ensued. One
bugler contracted pneumonia, but was well on the way towards
convalescence before Suez was reached. A single mental case came under
notice, necessitating the placing of the subject under close observation
until he could be handed over to the care of the authorities at the port
of disembarkation. All ranks were inoculated against smallpox and
typhoid. Many of them developed "arms" and temperatures as a result and
were decidedly unwell for a few days.
In the tropics 50 per cent. of the troops were provided with deck
accommodation for sleeping purposes. The heat when nearing Aden, and
during the passage of the Red Sea, was intense, but all ranks bore it
well. As far as was possible the dress was adapted to the climatic
conditions--special precautions being taken to guard against sunstroke.
Unfortunately, one of the ship's crew succumbed. He was buried at sea,
the ship laying-to whilst the burial service was read by the chaplain. A
collection afterwards taken up on behalf of the widow was generously
contributed to and realised over L50.
One chaplain only had been allotted to the troops on the transport. This
was the Rev. J. H. Neild, of the Methodist denomination. He conducted
service twice daily on Sundays and spent many hours on the decks at
other times. He was particularly earnest in his endeavours to help, and
his efforts were universally appreciated. Very great regret was
expressed by all who had come in contact with him when, shortly after
reaching Egypt, his health became so impaired as to necessitate his
return to Australia.
[Illustration: H.M's AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT A11 ("ASCANIUS.")
_Photo. lent by Mr. E. L. Mitchell, Perth._]
On so crowded a transport it was difficult to arrange satisfactorily for
amusements. However, the best possible was done under the circumstances.
Sports meetings were held once or twice a week. In most of the
competitions the Western Australians showed up well. The keenest
interest was displayed in the inter-unit tug-of-war, the final of
which was won, after an exciting struggle, by the team from "D" Company.
In boxing, the honours went to the Queenslanders of the 17th A.A.S.C.,
who produced several very good performers of medium and heavy weights.
Much laughter was engendered when, after the tea hour, the tyros donned
the gloves with one another. Several concerts were arranged and held on
or near the well-decks. Perhaps the most popular singer was the youthful
stowaway. The regimental band, conducted by Sergt. W. T. Hocking,
assisted at these functions. Endeavours had been made to form this
before leaving Blackboy Hill, but time permitted of little being done
beyond collecting a certain number of instruments. Once on the ship all
men who could play were invited to attend practice. Thus a nucleus was
formed. By the time that Suez was reached good progress had been made
and the band was in a promising condition. In Egypt, however, and later
in France, bands were not encouraged--having to be more or less shelved.
In 1917 their true value began to be understood, and every facility was
given to form and maintain such organisations.
For the individual of certain tastes other diversions existed beyond
attendance at concerts and athletic competitions. Card games were
played--"bridge" being the first favourite, but "poker" also having a
large following. Gambling was forbidden by the regulations.
Nevertheless, the usual veteran of other wars was found on board who was
prepared to initiate all who were tempted into _some_ of the mysteries
of "banker" or "crown and anchor." This individual, however, met
discouragement from the ship's police who, whenever opportunity offered,
seized and confiscated his plant. "Two-up" and "House" were not then so
popular as they became a few months later.
For mascots, the friends of the Battalion had sent on board two or three
of the ring-necked parakeets, generally known as "Twenty-eights." These
were made pets of during the voyage, but had either died or escaped
before its end.
An Australian Imperial Force Canteen was established on board. This
supplied pipes, tobacco, cigarettes, sweets, non-alcoholic drinks, and a
variety of other odds and ends, which could be purchased. The ship was
"dry"--that is, no spirits, wines, or beer were supposed to be available
to other than the ship's crew. This arrangement was in accordance with
the policy of the Australian Government and obtained on all sea
transports. Whilst the usual stimulant was thus missed by many who were
accustomed to it, on the whole the system in force did more good than
harm and was a considerable aid to the preservation of order and
comfort. So far as could be observed, the rule was strictly adhered to
on the "Ascanius"; nevertheless, the Commanding Officer, during his
morning inspections of the ship, was more than once heard to comment on
the absorbent capacity of the crew, as evidenced by the number of empty
ale and stout bottles cleared from their quarters.
In all that was done for the comfort and welfare of the troops, great
assistance was rendered by the Master of the ship and his officers.
Perhaps the Chief Officer was more concerned in protecting the interests
of his owners than of giving much latitude to the men who were in
transit. At times in early morn, and again late at night, his voice
could be heard in altercation with some unfortunate Australian, who had
surreptitiously made his bed in a forbidden area, or had violated some
other rule of the ship. He and his myrmidons were suspected of undue
zeal in impounding and placing in the ship's store any hammock, blanket,
or mess utensil, whose owner had momentarily left them unguarded on deck
or in some other open space. Later on, the articles so impounded were
shown as shortages in the ship's stores returned by the troops and had
to be paid for from the Battalion's funds. That Chief Officer was not
popular, but he was a good manager of his crew and kept the ship in
excellent condition.
The Master, Captain F. Chrimes, was a Lancashire man, of rather striking
personality and appearance. Some writer, who had travelled on the ship
as a passenger, has already portrayed him in one of his published books.
Captain Chrimes admired the men and, although in his official and daily
inspections he assumed an air almost of indifference to what he saw, he
was really closely observant and suggested much--and did more--to make
the conditions of life on board less uncomfortable. In quiet hours he
chatted deferentially with the Brigadier, played chess with the doctors,
or gently "pulled the legs" of the young officers. Of stories, he had a
fund. These ranged from stirring personal experiences with lions in the
East African jungles to a pathetic incident connected with the death of
his family's favourite cat. As a mark of affection, the corpse of this
cat was buried in the garden at the foot of an old grape vine. In the
first subsequent crop of fruit--so the Captain related--each grape
appeared with a slight coat of fur!
On the whole the voyage was pleasant enough and almost without unusual
incident, bar an accident or two to individuals. Perfect good feeling
existed amongst the different units during the whole of the journey.
Many friendships were made, and these early associations proved of great
value later on during the stress of work in the field. For the first few
days out wireless communication was kept up with the S.S.
"Geelong." The equator was crossed on about the twelfth day but, at the
expressed wish of the Brigadier, King Neptune held no court.
Early on the 24th June the African coast, just south of Ras-Jard-Hafun,
was sighted. Near here was observed the first ship seen since leaving
Australia. A few dhows were visible close in shore, and in the bay
sharks and rays could be discerned in motion. For a few hours attention
was centred on this first glimpse of a foreign land. "The doctor has
left off vaccinating us to go and admire the scenery," said one man in a
letter home. The foreshore, cliffs, and mountains of Somaliland were
searched with glasses for signs of habitations. So desolate, however,
appeared the country, and so few the signs of life, that, as a
diversion, the men cheered whenever an occasional school of porpoises or
a solitary albatross came more closely under view. Cape Guardafui was
passed soon after lunch, and the following evening the ship stopped her
engines for half an hour in order to exchange messages with Aden, which
was dimly visible through the thick bluish haze of stifling heat.
The 26th June witnessed the entrance to the Red Sea. The Master for the
previous few days had seemed apprehensive in regard to possible enemy
action. Consequently certain additional sentries had been posted and the
machine guns mounted in positions that would give them effective arcs of
fire. From now on the African coast was hugged, but little scenery was
evident after passing Perim Island. Away to the north-east a momentary
glimpse was obtained of Jebel Musa (Mt. Sinai). About this time the
Southern Cross disappeared below the horizon.
The destination of the transport was still unknown, notwithstanding that
gossip had mentioned Suez, Port Said, Alexandria, and even England.
Nevertheless, preparations had to be made either for disembarkation at
the first-named port or for the passage through the Canal. These were
put in hand at once. About this time arose the first crop of rumours, or
"furphies," which ever afterwards seemed to be an inseparable feature of
military life. Perhaps one of the most extraordinary was to the effect
that news had come on board of great anxiety existing in Western
Australia over a supposed disaster to the ship and its living freight.
As no such news _had_ come on board the source of the rumour could not
be traced. Subsequently, in letters received from the homeland, it was
ascertained that such a rumour was actually current there coincident
with its first being mentioned on the transport. Possibly its origin may
be remotely connected with the fact that, simultaneously with the
arrival of the "Ascanius" in the Gulf of Suez, a sister ship struck a
mine at the entrance to the Bitter Lakes and had to be beached. The hull
was visible to passengers on the Suez-Cairo railway.
[Illustration: TWO VERY YOUNG SOLDIERS.
Signaller H. H. Holmes. - Bugler A. J. Shipway.
Killed in action in France, August, 1916.]
On the evening of June 29th the lights of Suez came into view. Shortly
before midnight the transport dropped anchor some distance from the
town. Next morning a rather unattractive panorama was unveiled to
view. On the west were the bare heights of Jebel Attaka; to the north
Suez lay with its rambling and squalid-looking houses; to the north-east
was Port Tewfik, and beyond that--running down east and south-east--were
the desert sands of Sinai. The waters of the Gulf were calm, but every
revolution of the screws stirred up filth and polluted the air. Some
distance away lay another ship obviously also carrying troops. Greetings
were exchanged at long range. Eventually it was learned that the
transport was the "Ballarat" with a load of invalids for Australia.
Amongst them evidently dwelt a pessimist, for in reply to the new
arrivals' stentorian and unanimous "NO!" to the question "Are we
downhearted?" a disconsolate voice sounded across the water, "Well, you
---- soon will be."
As rather exaggerated accounts had been received in Australia as to the
dangers of communicating with the native inhabitants of Egypt, special
precautions were taken to prevent bumboat men from coming on board or
too closely approaching the sides. Two boats' crews patrolled round
about and sentries armed with loaded rifles stood at the tops of the
gangways. This resulted in an amusing incident when a dhow, manned by a
very fat Arab fisherman and a small native boy, came too close to the
troopship. No heed being taken of signals to keep further away, the
sentry on duty was instructed to fire a rifle shot across the bow of the
small craft. This proved most effective, and everyone roared with
laughter when the stout fisherman hastily dived below the gunwale out of
sight and forced the terrified small boy to take the helm and steer away
out of danger. In spite of this, however, preliminary bargaining went on
with other boats' crews and first impressions were gained of the ways
and manners of the gentle Egyptian. All that day the ship lay at anchor
and little communication took place with the shore. Nevertheless it was
learned from the port authorities, that as soon as another ship, then at
the wharf, had cleared, the troops were to disembark and journey by
train to a camp near Cairo. In preparation a small advance party of
three officers and 40 other ranks was put ashore with instructions to
proceed to the named area in order to get the camp in readiness for the
troops.
At 7 a.m. on the 2nd July the "Ascanius" moved in and berthed. Here the
voices of Egypt were heard in concert. A motley crowd of natives was
grouped about--evidently watched and herded by dapper little policemen,
armed with canes which they seemed to delight in using with or without
provocation. In one place a small gang of labourers, to the music of its
own voices, was building a ramp. In another, seemingly fierce argument
was going on as to the moving of a heavy gangway into position. Still
more men and boys were gazing up at the ship and calling loudly for
"bakshish." "Bakshish" was forthcoming first of all in the shape of
copper coins, later on in scraps of food, and again in raw potatoes. All
these were wildly scrambled for, and even the party operating the
gangway forsook duty in the pursuit of gain. The aim with the potatoes
became rather accurate, and after the head serang had been temporarily
incapacitated by a direct hit in the region of the belt, the fusilade
had to be stopped in order that the work of disembarkation might
proceed.
Getting the troops off the ship was a matter of comparative ease, but
the landing of sick, issue of rations, handing over of ship's stores,
and the unloading of horses, wagons, and over 1,250,000 rounds of
ammunition, entailed much organisation and a great deal of hard labour.
Notwithstanding this, the O.C. Troops was able to leave the ship before
5 p.m., having left behind a small party to finally adjust matters with
the ship and disembarkation authorities. This rear party rejoined the
unit three days later.
As the Battalion commenced to disembark the transport "Geelong" came to
anchor off the town.
CHAPTER III.
FIRST STAY IN EGYPT.
Four trains, running at intervals of two hours, were used to convey the
troops from the ship's side to the neighbourhood of Cairo. For part of
the journey the railway ran parallel with and in sight of the Canal.
Near Ismailia it turned west and led across the northern part of the
Arabian Desert (once the Land of Goshen) to Zagazig, where it took
another turn, to the south-west, and entered the capital. Though almost
entirely desert, the country was not without interest to the new
arrivals. Sand was not unknown in Western Australia, but had never been
seen over such tremendous tracts and giving off such colours which,
probably due to atmospheric influences, had very distinctive beauty.
Here and there the oases, and the irrigation areas, were marked by palm
trees or by crops of a vivid green hue. There was also seen much that at
once directed attention to the fact that the land was one famed in
biblical history. The costumes of the natives; the flat-roofed
mud-coloured dwellings; the old fashioned wells, the hooded and veiled
women bearing pitchers on their heads, the humble donkey, and the more
dignified camel, instantly carried minds back to the pictures that were
popular in childhood's days.
By midnight the last of the troops, detrained at a military siding near
by, had reached the camp and taken shelter for the time being in a
number of open-sided wooden huts.
The camp site, called Abbasia--after the adjacent quarter of Cairo, was
in the desert just north of the Suez Road and about five miles from the
centre of the city. The ground here was quite flat, and had been
extensively used at different times for military reviews. It was also
near the scene of a battle in 1517, when the Turkish conqueror, the
Sultan Selim, overthrew the Egyptians. A second battle took place here
in 1800, on which occasion General Kleber with 10,000 French defeated
six times that number of Turks. On the west side were situated the
cavalry and infantry barracks, at that time occupied by the 2nd Mounted
Division (Yeomanry). To the north lay the quarters and hospital of the
Egyptian Army units doing guard and escort duty for the new Sultan.
North-east, a little over a mile away, the new city of Heliopolis, with
its splendid buildings, was in full view. In other directions only the
desert was to be seen, marked here and there with low hills--the highest
being Jebel Ahmar, an outpost of the Moqattam Range.
The first day in the new camp was one of discomfort and worry. No
brigade or divisional staffs were present to assist and advise as to the
new conditions. The source of supplies had to be ascertained, kitchens
constructed, baggage sorted, and the lines, which were indescribably
dirty, cleaned up. All ranks were tired with the previous day's long
hours and badly needed a hot meal which, at first, could not be
satisfactorily supplied. A few men strayed away to Heliopolis, where
they found members of the 5th and 6th Brigades, whose local knowledge
they availed themselves of in their search for creature comforts.
Fortunately other friends were near in the 13th Light Horse Regiment,
which was temporarily occupying part of Abbasia Camp. The members
assisted greatly in the settling down process and, in consequence, by
the night of the third day tents were pitched, cooking arranged for, and
the comfort of the individual much improved. Very shortly after, further
advantages were provided in the shape of a regimental institute where
fruit, groceries, and liquor could be procured. This scheme was
subsequently extended in the direction of establishing a restaurant, a
fruit and ice cream tent, a newsvendor's stall, and a barber's shop.
This institute was valuable for several reasons. It afforded a means of
supplementing the indifferent ration; prevented the infliction of
exorbitant prices; guaranteed fair quality; reduced straying; ensured
the profits coming back to the battalion; and did away with the
necessity for admitting to the lines the clamorous and often filthy
multitude of hawkers. After this no Egyptian or foreigner was permitted
to approach the tents without a pass. Most of the local vendors had
methods peculiarly their own. The agents for the "Egyptian Times" or
"Egyptian Gazette" described their sheets in language which suggested
guilelessness and earlier association with the 1st Australian Division.
The orange, chocolate, and "eggs-a-cook" (small hard-boiled eggs)
sellers seemed to possess the faculty of rising from the earth or
dropping from the blue, for whenever bodies of troops, exercising in the
desert, halted for rest, some half-dozen of these people--not previously
in view--would suddenly appear, and, dragging their wares from somewhere
between their not over clean garments and less clean skin, would offer
them to the soldiers at "two fer a arf" (piastre).
Of course news of the progress of our troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula
was eagerly sought. At first information was difficult to obtain. The
only sources from which it could be gathered were the wounded and sick
in the neighbouring No. 1 Australian General Hospital housed at the
Heliopolis Palace Hotel, and the adjoining Luna Park. These men related
their own experiences and impressions. Their auditors were able to
appreciate the stupendous task of the landing parties and the heroism
with which they had held on to the ground gained under devastating
enemy fire and the ravages of disease. Of the relative positions of the
opposing forces little of a definite nature was known, nor could
anything be ascertained as to the plans for the future. The fact that so
many troops were collecting in Egypt did, however, point to probable
further developments, and gave the Battalion great hopes of being
allowed to participate. The achievements of the Western Australian units
already at the front had been proved more than worthy of emulation, and
the 28th was determined not to be found lacking.
The situation in Egypt at this time was not without cause for anxiety.
Some months earlier the Khedive Abbas Hilmi, an intriguer against Great
Britain, had been replaced by Prince Kamil Hussein, who was proclaimed
Sultan under a British protectorate. Sir Arthur Henry McMahon was High
Commissioner, but the country was virtually under martial law
administered by the G.O.C. in Egypt--Lieut.-General Sir John Maxwell.
There was more than a little unrest amongst the civil population caused
by the efforts of the Turkish and German propagandists. On the eastern
frontier precautions had to be taken to meet a repetition of the raid of
February made by Djemal Pasha on the Suez Canal. Towards the west the
attitude of the Senussi, a great religious sheik, indicated pretentions
to temporal power which must inevitably bring about a conflict. To meet
this situation there were a few brigades of the Indian Army on the
Canal,[E] whilst for the remainder dependence seemed to be placed on the
units and reinforcements passing through to the Dardanelles. Maxwell
made the most of these, and greatly impressed the populace by displays
of force. These displays consisted of marching brigades of Yeomanry and
Australians through the city and thickly populated suburbs. The 28th
Battalion frequently took part--the marches mostly being carried out at
night and forming part of the training in march discipline. The natives
looked on sullenly, but there was little in the way of openly hostile
display.
The organisation of the forces in Egypt brought the Australians under
the supreme command of Sir John Maxwell, but they, and the New
Zealanders, were grouped under the immediate command of Major-General J.
Spens and known as the Australian and New Zealand Training Depot. For
self-contained organised units this arrangement was fairly satisfactory,
but with regard to reinforcement drafts their management was the subject
of much adverse criticism. Discipline was very weak and actual training
not, apparently, a primary consideration. These defects continued for
many months. They were not due to the men themselves, but to the absence
of a policy in regard to the command and administration of training
battalions generally. In later years the Australians managed these
things for themselves, and with such good results that the British
Service found it profitable to copy some of their methods.
[Illustration: ABBASIA CAMP.
"D" Company marching in. Jebel Ahmar in the background.
_Photo. by Sergt. Arundel._]
[Illustration: THE ADJUTANT AND "TIM."]
General Spens visited the Battalion's camp early in the morning
following its arrival. He questioned the Commanding Officer as to the
unit, and after being assured that the material was excellent, though
far from being perfectly trained, contented himself by saying "Ah well,
give 'em plenty of shootin'."
On the 5th July the Battalion was drawn up to receive Sir John Maxwell.
Sir John arrived with a considerable staff, including young Prince
Leopold of Battenberg. The General closely inspected the unit, both he
and his staff commenting most favourably on what they described as a
"magnificent regiment." Sir John afterwards made a short address,
referring to the work of the first four brigades and the hopes for the
future. Doubtless having in mind the recent disturbances in Cairo, he
also pointed out that Egypt was now a British Protectorate and that the
Egyptians were, equally with the Australians, British subjects. He
expressed a wish, therefore, that there would be no "knockin' 'em
about."
At the date of the 28th's arrival in Egypt, one or two battalions of the
5th Brigade, and the whole of the 6th Brigade, were already in Aerodrome
Camp, just without and on the north-east side of Heliopolis. The 4th
Light Horse Brigade, minus the 13th Regiment, was also camped near by.
The complement from the "Ascanius" was the nucleus of the 7th Brigade.
The 27th Battalion, after landing, went first to Aerodrome Camp, but
moved to Abbasia within a fortnight. The 25th Battalion, the second half
of the 26th Battalion, and the remainder of the 5th Brigade troops did
not arrive until about a month later. About the same time, Sergt.
Faulkner and his drivers reported to their unit (8th August). They had
been detained at Blackboy Hill a month after the departure of the
"Ascanius," finally embarking on the "Boonah" on the 12th July.
Observing instructions received, their horses had been left behind in
Western Australia and fresh teams had now to be drawn from the local
Remount Depot, in which there existed a surplus.
From the foregoing it will be seen that August had arrived before the
7th Brigade and its staff was actually mobilised and complete.[F] In
the meantime the 4th Light Horse Brigade had, for the most part, been
broken up in order to provide reinforcements for the three horseless
brigades then fighting on Gallipoli. The 13th Light Horse moved to its
own camp but retained its entity, and as such afterwards served through
the war.
After reaching Abbasia the all-important consideration was training.
This was pressed on vigorously. At the commencement the routine provided
for reveille at 4.30 a.m. and parades to be held from 6 to 9 a.m. and
4.30 to 7 p.m. Indoor (_i.e._, in huts) instruction was carried out
between 10.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. These hours were fixed in order to meet
climatic conditions, but they rendered satisfactory arrangements for
meals difficult. Three hours' work on an empty stomach in the early
morning did not induce enthusiasm or vigour in practising attack
formations and movements. Nor was the long interval between 1 o'clock
dinner and 7 o'clock tea conducive to contentment with other work of an
exhausting nature. A little was done to meet the situation by providing
an early morning cup of coffee and biscuit, but the poor quality of the
rations and the limited regimental funds prevented an entirely effective
solution. Nevertheless the discomforts were submitted to cheerfully and
the presence of the other battalions of the Brigade gradually gave rise
to a spirit of emulation, resulting in keenness and genuine progress.
The training was continued on from the stage reached at Blackboy Camp
and practical application was given to the principles inculcated in some
of the lectures of the voyage over. Bayonet fighting was assiduously
practised and knowledge obtained of recent changes born of the
experience of the war. Early in August a musketry course was fired by
the whole unit. Attention was then given to the more advanced forms of
exercise in attack and defence, combined with the construction and use
of earthworks. Here began that intimate knowledge of the shovel and pick
which, during the war, was acquired by every infantryman. All fighting
soldiers loathed these implements, but, at the same time, recognised
their utility and appreciated the protection they made it possible to
provide. Occasionally the Brigadier assembled the four battalions and,
after a little close-order work, would lead them on a five to ten mile
night march. Apart from the purpose already referred to, these night
marches had great value as steadying influences. Battalions vied with
each other in displaying good form. To see them marching to attention
with no sound audible but the tramp of thousands of feet, or, again, to
hear units, when "at ease," singing some stirring song with 800
full-throated voices as one, was indeed inspiring to the bystander.
Now and then night work took the form of occupying and entrenching a
position, or of moving over unknown desert guided only by compass. There
were times when the dust nearly choked one, or when the lights and
shadows made it impossible to ascertain whether one was likely to fall
down a slope or stumble on to the side of a hill. Notwithstanding these
difficulties, the 28th never once lost its way or failed to reach its
objective to time. On one occasion a move was made for some miles along
the Suez Road and a bivouac, protected by outposts, established in the
Wadi-esh-Shem. The remainder of the Brigade represented a hostile force
based on Cairo. During the night an attempt was made to penetrate the
28th outpost line. The attempt was unsuccessful. Early the following
morning, the West Australians advanced westwards in attack formation and
succeeded in driving one of the opposing units off a line of hills
commanding the road to Cairo. This was the most elaborate setpiece
during the training period and, whilst the execution was defective in
several respects, the general form shown placed the "Gropers" an easy
first in the Brigade in point of efficiency. Nor had the specialists
been neglected. In addition to the original Machine Gun Section, a first
reserve section was trained and a commencement made with the second.
These gunners acquired a highly technical knowledge and were
subsequently utilised for the examination and repair of the armament of
the other sections of the Brigade. The formation of trained reserves for
the Signallers was also undertaken and due attention paid to other
requirements.
All training was supervised by the Brigadier and his Staff, but the
latter had not that experience likely to be of assistance either to its
chief or to commanding officers. General Spens lent one or two officers
and non-commissioned officers who had served in the first campaign in
France and whose experience should have been of value to the new troops.
The N.C.Os., genuine "Contemptibles," were really useful and of a fine
stamp--able to impress the young Australian and communicate many useful
lessons. On the other hand, the officers were not, apparently, selected
with any regard to their capacity as instructors but merely for the sake
of giving them something to do. They lectured frequently in a didactic
manner--playing fast and loose with the training manuals, and advocating
experiments for which they could give no sound reason. When pressed on
these matters it seemed to them sufficient to say that they "thought
they were good ideas." This engendered much vexation amongst the
Australian officers, more especially as the Brigadier very often did not
see his way clear to withstand the innovations. The immediate result
was to humbug officers and men and negative many of the sound lessons
already taught.
[Illustration: BRIG.-GENERAL JAMES BURSTON, V.D.
Who commanded the 7th Brigade in 1915.
_Photo. lent by Mrs. Burston._]
[Illustration: LIEUT.-COLONEL C. R. DAVIES, O.B.E, SECOND-IN-COMMAND,
1915-16.]
A further drawback in training was the large number of men which had to
be supplied for duties outside the Brigade. At times these amounted to
over 200 on the one day and comprised town picquets, guards on
hospitals, etc. The absence of these men broke up platoons and also
disrupted the continuity of instruction. There was no way out, but it
was thought that the "dizzy limit" had been reached when a request was
received for church orderlies, billiard markers and barmen--all for a
British formation. The Brigadier ventured a protest, but for his pains
was treated to a severe official snub.
One factor, however, which was a distinct aid to acquiring a knowledge
of warfare, was a School of Instruction held at Zeitun and commanded by
a distinguished officer of the Guards. A considerable number of the
junior officers and N.C.Os. attended, together with a proportion of the
machine gunners and signallers. Each course lasted three weeks. At the
examination held at the termination of the course the 28th men did
exceedingly well--the officers averaging 89 per cent. of marks and the
N.C.Os. 92 per cent., in their respective classes. The Commandant of the
School subsequently despatched the following note to Colonel
Collett--"The results of the four classes attending this School from
your Battalion, viz., officers, N.C.Os., signallers and machine gunners,
are most satisfactory. I would especially draw your attention to the
roll of gunners; there is not a second class gunner among the whole
section, which is most gratifying to myself and the instructors." A
feature of this School was an officer of its staff who was not
favourably disposed towards Dominion troops. He was known to commence
one of his lectures somehow like this--"Discipline is a subject of which
the Australians know nothing." It is understood that subsequent events,
together with an interview with Sir John Maxwell, caused him, if not to
change his view, at least to modify his tone.
An important development, which had a beneficial effect on the unit, was
the constitution, early in August, of the 2nd Australian Division. The
three new brigades of infantry which had recently arrived in Egypt led
General Birdwood, with the approval of the Australian Government, to
group them in a major formation. The command he allotted to
Major-General J. G. Legge, C.M.G., who had succeeded the late Sir
William Bridges with the 1st Division. By the 4th August General Legge
had arrived at Heliopolis, where he established his headquarters, and on
that date the troops passed from the immediate control of General
Spens. The divisional commander brought with him a staff of experienced
officers, and these immediately set about the higher organisation of the
brigades and the formation of the divisional troops. The 13th Light
Horse became the divisional mounted force, but the signallers and
engineers had to be completed by the transfer of suitable men from the
infantry. Many good men were in this way lost to the Battalion.
Mention has already been made of the poor quality of the rations in
Egypt. The system provided for a daily issue, by the Army Service Corps,
of meat and bread; in addition there was an allowance of 8-1/2d. per man
for the purpose of purchasing groceries and extras. On paper the scheme
looked excellent but in practice was execrable. In the first place the
A.S.C. procured their supplies from the local Supply Depot. Although the
meat was passable, the bread--heavy, sodden, and often mildewy--was a
source of daily and indignant protest. Complaint after complaint was
lodged with the Supply people but improvement was almost despaired of,
especially after verbal intimation had been received through
semi-official channels that if the West Australians wanted better bread
they would have to pay for it. Eventually, however, a change took place
and the article became more palatable. The groceries were purchased from
the Army canteens, which at this time were farmed out to contractors.
Here the trouble was in the rising price of staple articles, the want of
variety, and the scarcity of supplies. Tea and coffee were ample, but
the sugar ration was hardly sufficient for these let alone any surplus
being available for puddings, etc. Of the side-lines, such as tinned
fish, rice, prunes, oatmeal, etc., what there was of these did not go
far to appease the appetites of men used to better fare and having now
to undergo hard training. The 8-1/2d. could not work miracles, and try as
they would--and did--those responsible for the welfare of the men found
themselves hard pressed in ensuring that their charges were even
decently fed. Nor was the procuring of suitable and adequate rations the
only trouble. Cooking them also presented many difficulties. Travelling
kitchens had not then been supplied to the new units, and the only
cooking vessels available were the camp kettles or dixies. Consequently
such food as had to be cooked could only be boiled or stewed, and even
then the results were not always satisfactory. The cooks themselves were
untrained and often had to be changed. They lacked the knowledge and
experience necessary to secure the best results and avoid waste. They
were also handicapped for want of proper fuel and plant. The fuel was
wood. What kind of wood it was, or where it came from, nobody knew. It
had the appearance and endurance of that stray log which sometimes
arrives in loads from Australian woodyards and which the self-respecting
householder absolutely declines to tackle except in the last extremity.
It played havoc with the temper of the cooks' fatigues and also with
their tools.
Clothing was an important factor. The heavy woollen material of the
Australian uniforms was unsuitable in a climate where rain was almost
unknown and where the daily temperature averaged over 90 deg. in the
shade during the whole time of the Battalion's stay. Furthermore, a
number of hats had been lost overboard during the voyage from Fremantle.
There were no present means of replacing these; meanwhile, men were in
daily danger of heat stroke. It was decided, therefore, to clothe all
the troops in khaki cotton shorts (trousers reaching only to the knees),
linen shirts, and pith helmets. These they wore with the ordinary
underclothing and with boots and puttees. This issue was completed
within ten days of arrival. It added considerably to the comfort of the
individual and the dress in itself was not unattractive. One individual
of French extraction refused for some unknown reason to wear the shorts.
He was proof against persuasion and eventually had to be removed from
the Battalion and given an opportunity for fuller reflection.
Perhaps it was inevitable that the drastic change from the Australian to
the Egyptian climate, soil, and conditions of life, should adversely
affect the health of the individual. At any rate such turned out to be
the case, and for the first ten days after arrival at Abbasia there were
some 130 to 150 men out of action each day. The principal causes were an
acute form of diarrhoea and tonsilitis. Amongst others were severe
colds, septic hands, knees, and feet, ophthalmia, and two or three
slight cases of heat stroke. Measles did not re-appear after the landing
at Suez, although the camp was placed in quarantine for 14 days and
visits to the neighbouring towns were forbidden. After the tenth day the
number of cases reporting to the medical officer began to decrease and
by the 20th July had dropped to 50, about which figure it remained
during the following few weeks. One death occurred--that of
Lance-Corporal J. K. Quick, of "B" Company, who succumbed to pneumonia
on the 14th August whilst a patient in No. 1 Australian General
Hospital.
To assist in the preservation of health everyone was encouraged to lie
down during the heat of the day, to keep the hair of the head cut short,
make frequent use of the shower baths, and consume no liquor, except
such as could be obtained within the camp. Undoubtedly the root cause of
many of the ailments was the pollution of the desert soil. One had only
to observe the habits of the natives to become aware that the earth of
Cairo and its environs was saturated with the filth of ages. This was
stirred up by the feet of the infantrymen in training and by the horses
going to exercise or water. Horses were numerous about this time. The
brigades of Light Horse on Gallipoli had left their mounts behind.
These, augmented in August by the 2nd Mounted Division, totalled nearly
10,000, and were cared for in a large Remount Depot established not far
from Abbasia Camp. The dust caused by them was at times almost
intolerable and the subject of frequent protests by those who soldiered
on foot.
[Illustration: MAJOR J. KENNY, A.A.M.C.
The Regimental Medical Officer.]
[Illustration: CAPTAIN J. J. S. SCOULER.
Signalling Officer, 1915-16.]
The method of dealing with the sick was as follows: A "sick parade" was
held daily at the medical officer's tent at 5.30 a.m. and again at 2.30
p.m. All men feeling unwell attended this parade, were examined, and
were prescribed for according to their condition. If their symptoms were
those of a complaint likely to lay them up, or render them unfit for
duty for several days, they would be "evacuated" to a neighbouring
hospital and detained there for treatment. Once a man was evacuated he
ceased, for all practical purposes, to be a member of the Battalion and
came under the control of the medical administration. If he was quickly
cured of his complaint he was sent back to his unit. If, on the other
hand, his recovery was retarded, he remained for some time in hospital,
or in a convalescent depot, and, perhaps, finally returned to Australia
either for a change or discharge.
Through sickness, transfers, and one or two other causes, the wastage in
the Battalion was considerable. This was partly replaced on the 17th
August by a first draft from the reinforcements camped at Zeitun. Lieut.
J. Quilty brought over 84 and 54, respectively, from the 1st and 2nd
Reinforcements. These were also first class men and were quickly
absorbed into the companies.
Factors which affect the conduct and character of a soldier on active
service are numerous and all weighty. Amongst them may be mentioned his
treatment as regards work, food, pay, recreation and amusement, and
mails from home. The first two of these have already been referred to
and, after reflection, it cannot reasonably be said that whilst in Egypt
he received too much of either. Pay very early became a vexed question.
Letters from relatives indicated that the distribution of allotment
money and separation allowance was being very imperfectly carried
out--resulting in much hardship and consequent anxiety. Although this
was eventually straightened out, it unsettled many men and bred a spirit
of discontent very difficult to allay and eradicate. The pay of the
troops themselves was drastically affected by the issue, in mid-August,
of an order limiting the drawing to two-fifths of the daily rate. The
exact reasons for this restriction were not given, but it is believed
that those responsible desired, firstly, to remove the distinction which
existed between the British and Australian rates and, secondly, to
encourage thrift and retain for the soldier on his discharge a sum,
beyond his deferred pay, which could be spent more wisely in Australia
and not go to fill the pockets of the Egyptians. To many this
restriction was a genuine hardship, whilst others circumvented it by
drawing on their private funds by means of the cable service. This was
extensively done, and those who had the wherewithal established a system
for regularly receiving remittances from the home land. Payments were
made in the local currency--the Egyptian pound of 100 piastres being
equal to L1 0s. 6-1/4d. The piastre (sometimes termed "disaster") was worth
about 2-1/2d. There was a smaller coin--a millieme--equal to one-tenth
of a piastre. English and Australian sovereigns were at first plentiful,
but an attempt was made to restrict their circulation, as it was
believed that the natives were hoarding them.
Mails arrived from Australia every week or ten days, and were heartily
welcomed. Those who received newspapers handed them round for others to
read. The Australian proved himself an inveterate letter writer and
found much to describe to his relatives and friends. The signallers were
rather noted for the amount of work they gave the officer who had to
sight their correspondence. They seemed to devote much time to writing
and to have a large circle of lady friends. As a rule, the soldier
observed the censor's injunctions, and, in doing so, made the work of
his officer light. Occasionally a transgression came under notice. In
such cases, the letter was either returned to the writer or the
offending part struck out. In one instance, the soldier had drawn
attention to the harrowing conditions under which he said he was
living--working from dawn to dark, with little or no food, and without
pay. Questioned as to his reason for this action, he confessed that he
was short of money and had intended to so play on the feelings of his
friends as to prompt them to send him financial aid.
Censoring letters was a valuable education for an officer. It gave him a
deep personal knowledge of the men he commanded and was to lead. It also
enabled him to realise that in most situations there were points of view
other than his own. He was the better for the knowledge. There were many
letters to read. Most had a grave earnest tone running through them.
Some were pathetic. Others were humorous and, again, others cleverly
descriptive of the passing life and scenes. The trend of thought of some
soldiers will be illustrated by the following:--In 1916, whilst
assisting to hold the trenches in front of Messines, a member of the
Battalion wrote a lengthy and comprehensive criticism of a recent book
dealing with the Darwinian theory. About the same time, and from the
same place, another member--a brave and sincere man, but a little
pharisaical--violated the censorship requirements by criticising the
army system generally and his own comrades in particular. His company
commander adopted the unusual but effective punishment of reading the
letter aloud in the presence of the writer and the fellow members of his
platoon. A story is told of a padre of the 5th Brigade who, whilst
censoring, discovered that one man had declared his undying devotion to
two different girls, and to each had repudiated any allegiance to the
other. The censor was so indignant over this act of treachery that he
transposed the envelopes of the two letters, before sealing them down.
Of amusements there was no lack. These will be referred to later on. On
the whole, therefore, the soldier had little to complain of in the
treatment he received, nor did he give the Commanding Officer any cause
for anxiety as regards his conduct. Breaches of minor regulations were
common enough, but in most cases the offences were venial and such as
were likely to be committed by any recruit. Only two cases were remanded
for trial by court-martial. Nor were the evils resulting from excessive
drinking conspicuously present. Precautions, however, had to be taken to
prevent any lowering of the standard which the Battalion was working
towards, and in this respect examples had to be made in a few cases
where the individual held rank, and in other cases where sickness
appeared to be simulated.
One little incident seems to be worth mentioning. A soldier, who had
been freely sampling a Reading brew of beer, encountered a certain
warrant officer. An exchange of compliments took place, during which the
private referred disparagingly to his superior's figure and parentage.
On the next day he appeared at "orderly room" and was awarded a brief
period of enforced retirement. Declining to walk to the place of
detention he was placed on a stretcher, but the stretcher bearers were
so inexperienced then that after a journey of about 200 yards he elected
to march. On his release, the offender, very contrite and desiring to
make the _amende honourable_, approached the warrant officer and
explained that the statement previously made in regard to his _figure_
was entirely without foundation.
Some rioting had occurred a few months previously in Cairo, and overseas
soldiers were said to have been concerned in it. A further outbreak was
reported during the last week of July, followed on the next evening by a
disturbance in Heliopolis. Whatever were the causes of the first two
outbreaks, the third was directly traceable to the fact that Cairo was
suddenly placed out of bounds when leave men were waiting for trams at
the Heliopolis terminus with a view to securing passage to the city. The
military police, in attempting to deal with the situation, behaved
rather tactlessly, and incurred the resentment of the men, who indulged
in some stone-throwing and roughly handled a few individuals. Charges of
wholesale looting were laid against the troops, but a court of inquiry,
of which the commanding officer was a member, found on close
investigation that L50 would cover the whole of the damage done. The
claims submitted by the native shopkeepers totalled up to some L3,000.
During the early months of the A.I.F's. stay in Egypt, the Military
Police, a newly constituted force, incurred the dislike of the bulk of
the troops. This dislike engendered an antipathy which endured until the
end of the war. In the first instance there appears to have been some
reason for it. The police were not selected with sufficient care, and
included a number of men whose actions, to say the least, were shady. On
several occasions decent and well-behaved members of the Battalion were
received from the police cells, bereft of their money, much bruised and
battered, and accompanied by a charge sheet accusing them of crimes
which one moment's consideration would show they could not have
committed. Strong representations on these matters had no immediate
effect, but ultimately the Provost Corps was purged of the bad element
and became a body of experienced men of great value in the prevention or
detection of crime and the regulation of military traffic.
So far as could be learned, the men of the 28th had no part in either of
the disturbances. In fact, so uniformly high had been their standard of
behaviour that it had come under the notice of Sir John Maxwell, who
sent and asked the Battalion to supply picquets for duty in the
disturbed area. This action rather raised the resentment of some units
and created a certain amount of ill-feeling. So acute did this become
that on one occasion the Battalion of its own volition was on the point
of "standing to" with entrenching tool handles to repel a threatened
raid. However, common sense prevailed and good feeling with the men of
the Eastern States was soon re-established, but not before the title
"J----'s Own" had been conferred upon the Western Australians.
With the complete mobilisation of the Brigade the number of chaplains in
the camp was brought up to four. Services were held in the huts every
Sunday morning, attendance at which was compulsory. Dean Brennan
identified himself with his flock. The Rev. J. H. Neild, so long as his
health endured, was assiduous in his desire to help all who sought his
aid. The Presbyterian chaplain, the Rev. W. J. Stevens, had served in
the ranks in the South African War. He was very earnest and direct in
his addresses. He inclined towards mysticism, and spoke much of the
"Angel of Mons." Otherwise he knew men well and was later noted for his
activities during the Brigade's stay on Gallipoli. The Anglican chaplain
was inclined to dogma. Very early he gave an address, "Why I believe in
the Church of England." As no one was interested in the subject he rated
his audience for its inattention, and thereafter ceased to exercise any
influence amongst its members. In France he recovered some ground and
did good work, amongst other things, in the organisation of institutes
and coffee stalls behind the lines.
FOOTNOTES:
[E] These troops were commanded by Major-General Sir Alexander Wilson,
K.C.B., who was Military Commandant in W.A., 1895-98.
[F] Composition of 7th Australian Infantry Brigade--
Headquarters. 25th Battalion. 26th Battalion. 27th Battalion. 28th
Battalion. 2nd Signal Company (No. 3 Section). Brigade Train (No. 17
Coy., A.A.S.C.). 7th Field Ambulance.
Strength:--149 officers, 4,403 other ranks, 529 horses, 8 machine guns,
52 bicycles, 7 carts, and 94 wagons.
CHAPTER IV.
FIRST STAY IN EGYPT.
(continued.)
As has already been stated, the Battalion was quarantined for 14 days
after its arrival at Abbasia. To find amusement during that period was a
problem. At first the immediate environment produced some distraction.
The hawkers and their cries, the arguments between contractors and
labourers, the labour gangs at work, the habits of the crowds of
scavenging kites, the Yeomanry exercising in the desert, the Egyptian
Army recruits drilling in front of their barracks in time to drums
beating at 140 a minute, and the circus-like performance of the Arab
grooms taking remounts to and from water, all helped to pass an idle
hour or two. Occasionally there was a visit from a little party of
juvenile acrobats, who gave exhibitions of their prowess in return for
"bakshish." One visitor was a youth of about 12--an extraordinary
caricature, suffering from ophthalmia and dressed in various ragged and
dirty portions of uniform. He laid claim to the name of "Saghen
Mechenzi" and had an uncanny knowledge of the rifle, which he handled
like a guardsman, and defied all attempts to confound him. Another and
more welcome visitor was a youth of French extraction, who sold very
fine picture postcards at a reasonable rate and would also undertake
commissions for purchases in the city. Victor displayed unexpected
traits of honesty and on being questioned thereon replied--"My father is
French, he is honest, therefore I am honest." Nothing more could be
said.
To relieve the monotony of the period during which no leave could be
granted, it was decided to arrange a route march through the city as far
as the Citadel walls, halt there for rest and return in the cool of the
evening. During the afternoon of Sunday, the 11th July, the Battalion in
drill order, and without rifles, set out led by a guide and preceded by
Victor mounted importantly on a white donkey. According to the map the
total distance to be covered was about ten miles, but owing to detours
necessary in order to avoid the narrow streets the Battalion actually
traversed some 14 or 15 miles. The heat was considerable, and a number
of men fell out on account of the sickness which was very prevalent at
this time. However, there was much to be seen. Palaces and hovels,
magnificent hotels and humble coffee houses. Strange people and
stranger costumes. Weird sights, sounds, and smells. Some streets no
wider than our back lanes, teeming with people, filth, and squalor, and
every window, doorway, or hole in the wall with something in it for
sale. Veiled women and shuttered upper windows in the better class
residential quarter hinted romance to those who had read the adventures
of the Khalif. A wedding procession, and, again, a funeral procession
were passed. The effect of the first was unusual, and the music that
accompanied it had a mournful touch not noticeable in the second. The
native police along the route were most attentive and cleared the way on
every occasion. The traffic was considerable--mostly pedestrian, but
with electric tramcars, donkeys, and horse gharris in large numbers.
After one or two rests on the way, the Battalion at length came to a
halt on an open space under the massive west wall of the Citadel. This
place was to become better known later on, but on this occasion
curiosity and interest were subordinated to the desire for cool drinks
and rest. About an hour later the return march was commenced and camp
reached some time after dark.
On the 17th July the quarantine restrictions were removed. A system was
instituted whereby 25 per cent. were able to leave camp after evening
parade on week days, 12 noon on Saturdays, and 8 a.m. on Sundays. Leave
was usually commenced by tours within the city and visits to the Mouski
for the purpose of purchasing gifts for the people at home. Here western
methods were copied by some of the shopkeepers, and a sign which read--
SUCCOUR SALE, DRAPERIE HIGH LIFE
suggested that bargains might be hoped for. Gharri drives were popular
but some men, with humane feeling, were averse to being hauled by a
beast almost too poor and degraded to be longer termed a horse and one
which, in our own land, would have received the attention of the
S.P.C.A. The drivers of these vehicles cleared their way through the
pedestrian traffic by cries such as "Ya meenuk" (To the right), "She
maluk" (To the left), or "Owar riglak" (Mind your legs), repeated
incessantly.
Donkey rides seemed to provide a certain amount of amusement. The beasts
were hardy, and it was no uncommon sight to see two or three Australians
trying the speed of their mounts down one of the main
streets--enthusiastically encouraged by the donkeys' owners.
Occasionally donkey and rider were facing in opposite directions. When
tired, the soldier could go for rest to the Club established in the open
air of the Esbekieh Gardens by the Australian Red Cross Society and
Y.M.C.A. Here, comfortable seats, meals, and music could be obtained.
Other places were picture theatres, and the "Kursaal" and "Casino" where
variety entertainments were given nightly--mostly by French artists.
Some very good turns were to be seen at the Kursaal, the popular
favourite being a soprano, Mimi Pinson, who could bring the house down
by her rendering of "Two Eyes of Grey." At the Casino the audience sat
about at tables and consumed cool drinks whilst listening to or watching
the performers on the stage. The feminine element predominated here, and
there was an air of friendliness about their open glances and
conversation at first somewhat bewildering to the unsophisticated. The
officers, in their peregrinations, made free use of the large
hotels--such as "Shepheard's" or the "Continental," and the various
clubs such as the Italian and Ghezirah Sporting Clubs. Shepheard's Hotel
had been placed out of bounds to all but officers. Various reasons for
this step were suggested. What, however, is believed to have had a good
deal to do with it is the fact that during dinner on one occasion a
rather stout and pompous senior general, sitting at table with his wife
and daughters, was very affectionately greeted, embraced, and kissed by
an hilarious youth from the southern seas.
[Illustration: THE WALL OF THE CITADEL.
From which the Mameluke leaped. The twin minarets are those of
the Mehemet Ali Mosque.
_Photo. by Sergt. Arundel._]
[Illustration: THE GREAT PYRAMID.
_From the plan by C. Piazzi Smyth._]
At the commencement of all tours guides were offering freely, and were
often required. They were of two kinds. The genuine type was usually a
graduate of one of the educational institutions, and would arrange and
conduct, more or less satisfactorily, any expedition--were it to visit
the Cairo Museum, the Pyramids and other monuments, or to go duck
shooting near Alexandria or gazelle hunting in the Fayum. The other type
of guide hailed from somewhere at the back of the bazaars; he was loudly
importunate, proclaimed himself as named Macpherson, Abdullah, or
Johnson, and stated that he was "dinkum." The possibilities with him
seemed extensive. Anyone who employed this kind of person, and expected
to have a kind of Arabian Nights entertainment, returned richer by his
experience but, usually, unless he was very very careful, with the
sensations of having just emerged from a garbage pit.
The Australian's interest in Egypt was immense. He had no marked
admiration for the existing inhabitants, but his reading had given him
an insatiable longing to know more of the ancients and their great
works. He let no opportunity, therefore, escape him of viewing and
studying the monuments which had withstood the ravages of time for so
many centuries. Various expeditions were arranged by bands of friends
who, after engaging a dragoman, would often pool their resources in
order that the day might be as pleasant as it was instructive. As a rule
the first expedition was to the great Pyramids at Gizeh--distant
glimpses of which can be obtained from points not far from Abbasia.
Situated about eight miles from Cairo, the route to this objective lies
through the city, across the Nile bridge, and along the delightful
causeway said to have been built by the Khedive Ismail for use by the
Empress Eugenie during her visit on the occasion of the opening of the
Suez Canal. On arrival at the village, camels and donkeys are used to
traverse the stretch of heavy sand which intervenes between the road and
the plateau upon which the Pyramids stand.
The Pyramids are three in number, but vary in size. The largest is that
of Cheops, the second that of Chephren, and the smallest that of
Menkaura. The tomb of Cheops attracts all visitors and, once having been
"done," any curiosity in regard to the remainder is, as a rule, entirely
lacking. There are two ways of "doing" it. One is to climb up the
exterior to the summit, and the other to go inside and visit the King's
and Queen's chambers. No ordinary individual has the strength to achieve
both in the one day. The visit to the top gives the better result in a
magnificent view of Cairo, the Nile, and the surrounding desert, but
gaining this involves a climb to a height of 451 feet by means of the
several courses of stone, each course being about three feet high; nor
is the descent very much easier. To inspect the interior it is necessary
to first ascend about 30 feet to the entrance. Here, on the occasion of
the Western Australians' visit, were met the guides or caretakers
attached to the place. Bedlam instantly broke out. All wanted a job or
"bakshish." Some grabbed the soldiers' sticks, others their boots and
leggings. After much remonstrance, and an occasional hard knock or kick
to some too enthusiastic native, the party, in its stockinged feet,
eventually passed within the entrance. The passage was narrow, low,
steep, and extremely slippery. With an Arab to each hand--as a
precaution against a nasty fall--the soldier, breathing a muggy
atmosphere, sweating at every pore, and filled with repulsion at the
close proximity of his yelling conductors, made a crab-like and painful
progress through darkness over the 220 feet of distance to the King's
Chamber. This apartment, viewed by candlelight or a flare now and then
from a piece of magnesium wire, does not present, beyond some carvings
on the walls, anything of great interest.
After a brief rest the party retraced some of its steps and visited the
Queen's Chamber, situated lower down. Here it was necessary to have
another breather, and at this stage some Arab evinced a desire to
foretell the fortune of anyone who would listen to him and, of course,
produce the necessary monetary encouragement. Finally, the open air was
regained, perspiration ceased to pour, and with luck it was possible to
recover those portions of clothing left behind when entering. Now
thoughts were directed to the Pyramids Hotel at Mena--noticed earlier in
the day--where, under the shade of trees, tables were set and lunch
could be obtained, together with much good and cool English ale.
Sometimes the parties had enough energy left to first pay a call on the
Sphinx, which is situated about 300 yards distant from the great tomb.
Very few thoroughly explored this relic of the ancients, but its great
antiquity, alleged by some authorities to date long prior to the
creation as fixed by the Christian calendar, and the riddle associated
with it, demanded that everyone should at least go and gaze on its face
for a little while. Here it was customary to submit to the camera man.
Many photographs were thus secured which, when posted, were of great
interest to the friends at home.
The next place of interest was the site of the City of Memphis--the
ancient capital of Egypt--and its necropolis at Sakkara. Memphis was
reached either by train or donkey ride from Cairo, or by a ride of about
two hours across from the Pyramids at Gizeh. Of the city itself nothing
is left to mark its ancient magnificence except the two giant statues of
Rameses II. However, the country between there and Gizeh is one vast
cemetery containing the tombs of the notables. The most conspicuous of
these is the Step Pyramid--the oldest of such and the resting-place of
the body of King Teheser. Less conspicuous, but more interesting to the
newcomers, were the Apis Tombs, which contain the sarcophagi of 24 of
the Sacred Bulls. These sarcophagi, complete with lids, are of an
immense size--each weighing some 65 tons. Near by are the tombs of
Ptah-hetep and Ti, in which the rich and well-preserved mural
decorations give a very full representation of the life and habits of
the inhabitants of the city in their time. Other interesting remains,
some Greek and some Roman, were also to be seen, but by this time the
average Australian had had enough for one day, and turned to the means
of getting back to the more congenial surroundings of the modern city or
camp.
[Illustration: VIEW OF CAIRO FROM THE CITADEL WALLS.
The Sultan Hassan and Khedivial Mosques in the foreground.
_Photo. by Sergt. Arundel._]
[Illustration: THE MOQATTAM HILLS.
Showing the quarries and the Causeway leading to the summit.
_Photo. by Sergt. Arundel._]
Having seen so many of the tombs, parties took an especial interest in
the Cairo Museum, wherein they inspected wonderful statuary; mummies
of men, women, cats, dogs, monkeys, and crocodiles; also coffins and
other relics going back in origin, some of them, to a period nearly
4,000 B.C. The jewellery, said at one time to have been worn by Queen
Cleopatra, attracted much attention, as did also specimens of
boomerangs--a weapon which almost every Australian had thought was
peculiar to his own country.
Time did not permit of visits up the Nile to the ruins at Luxor, Thebes,
Philae, and Karnak, so the programme of viewing ancient remains had to
be somewhat restricted. Consequently little was now left to do except to
visit Mataria (about four miles north of the camp), view the Tree and
Well associated with the Flight out of Egypt, and then proceed to the
obelisk near by, which marks the site of the old Heliopolis--the City of
the Sun.
Other and more modern buildings and structures, connected with the early
Christians and the Saracens, are plentiful in Cairo, and to these the
visitors now turned. Chief amongst them is the Citadel, the erection of
which Saladin began in A.D. 1166. From its walls a fine view of the city
and its environs can be obtained. To the south the Aqueduct built by the
Saracens comes under observation; and near by, on the east side, the
Moqattam Hills--scarred by quarries and surmounted by a fort from which
Napoleon silenced the guns of the Citadel. Within Saladin's walls are to
be seen Joseph's Well--some 300 feet deep; the costly mosque of Mehemet
Ali with its dome and twin minarets; two or three smaller and older
mosques; and, on the wall, the hoof print of the escaping Mameluke's
horse.
Opposite to the main entrance to the Citadel, and without the walls, are
two mosques of unusual size. One, the mosque of the Sultan Hassan--noted
amongst other things for its wonderful arches, doors inlaid with gold,
and a cannon ball still sticking in the wall facing the hills which bear
Napoleon's fort; the other containing the tombs of the Khedivial family
and distinguished by the richness of the decorations and inlay of
sandalwood, ebony, silver, and ivory.
Mosques and shrines in Cairo number nearly 500. There is plenty to see
in this respect, but after a few of the principal ones, including the
Blue Mosque of Ibrahim Agha, had been inspected, and similar calls paid
on some of the old Coptic churches, interest waned and the soldier,
looking for a change, sometimes turned to the Roman and Arab remains in
Old Cairo and Fustat, or else visited the Tombs of the Khalifs and
Mamelukes on the edge of the desert. Here he was, perhaps, successful in
obtaining genuine souvenirs of the "Dead City."
[Illustration: CAIRO AND ENVIRONS]
Apart from short trips on the Nile, per steam dahabiyehs, two other
excursions must be mentioned. One was to the Island of Roda to view
the spot where the infant Moses is alleged to have been found by the
Pharoah's daughter; and the other by tram or gharri along the Mena Road
to the Zoological Gardens. This institution is said to have been one of
the many extravagances of the Khedive Ismail. The visitors greatly
admired the grounds and also the fine collection of the larger African
animals.
Driving back in the evening from the Gardens, the soldier was able to
see Cairo taking the air under the shade of the lebbok trees and observe
the wealthy and official classes in their carriages and motors. He was
not slow to notice the arrogant air of the Egyptian male aristocracy,
accompanied as they often were by rather fleshy ladies of foreign
origin. Nor did he fail to feel impressed by the neat and wholesome
appearance of the few British ladies who took exercise on this highway.
With the exception of two days at the beginning of August, when Cairo
was placed out of bounds owing to the rioting, and the 12th to 14th
August, when the Festival of Bairam was being observed, sight-seeing
went on at leave periods during the whole of the Battalion's stay in
Egypt.
On the 16th August the Battalion, when carrying out a night operation in
the desert, was recalled to camp and ordered to proceed the following
morning to garrison the Citadel. At 7.30 a.m. on the 17th August the
28th, leaving the transport behind under a small guard, commenced the
march to its new home which, after a trying time in the heat, was
reached in due course and quarters found in the various blocks of
barracks. These quarters, it was discovered, were alive with vermin,
necessitating the whole Battalion being set to work for several hours in
an attempt to clean the place. Iron bedsteads and palliasses were
available for the use of the troops, but as the palliasses also showed
signs of life very few were used. After Gallipoli was reached an account
for 40 of these iron bedsteads, which the unit, it was inferred, had
taken with it or disposed of in some other unlawful manner, was received
from the British authorities. Needless to say it has not yet been paid.
The C.O. was, for the time being, the Commandant of the fortress which
was the home of the ordnance stores and reserve of ammunition of the
Army of Occupation. Besides the British and Egyptian staffs to work
these, there were other troops within the walls. These included details
of the 2nd Mounted Division, recently embarked for the Peninsula;
British and Indian General Hospitals (both full); a hospital for
convalescents; a detention barracks; and about 40 Turkish Officers under
guard as prisoners of war. Amongst these prisoners was a major, a nephew
of the Senussi, who had been visiting Constantinople at the outbreak of
war and found himself immediately requisitioned for a tour through
Arabia for the purpose of promoting a holy war against the English.
Himself an Arab, who had always looked upon Great Britain with friendly
eyes, he undertook the mission rather unwillingly. In course of time he
joined Djemal Pasha's army approaching the Canal and was finally
captured by its defenders.
Owing to the large numbers of men required for special duties, all
training, except that for the section, platoon, and company, had to
cease. What little was done was carried out in the barrack yards or
else, in the early morning, on the top of the adjacent Moqattam Hills,
which was reached by a kind of causeway running up through the quarries.
The duties consisted of providing guards and sentries for the various
gates of the Citadel; guards on some of the hospitals and detention
barracks; and patrols which had the unpleasant duty of traversing the
highways of the city for the purpose of preserving order and looking
after the interests of the army and the men on leave.
Existing orders did not permit any civilian to enter the gates of the
Citadel unless provided with an official pass. The enforcement of this
order caused some dismay amongst the women from the neighbouring houses
who had been in the habit of visiting the Citadel stables for the
purpose of obtaining material for the manufacture of fuel, which was a
scarce commodity with them. The ladies' method of explaining their
mission was clear, if not delicate, and brought a blush to the faces of
the sentries on the Moqattam Gate.
The Warrant and Non-commissioned Officers had a good mess, which was
presided over by the Regimental Sergeant-Major. The Officers joined and
took over control of the Garrison Officers' Mess--very well and cheaply
run. Here many pleasant acquaintances were made and a good deal learned
in regard to the organisation and working of the British units.
Short leave was still granted liberally to those desiring it, but
numbers found sufficient attraction in or near the Citadel to pass away
many hours. The views from the walls, or from the tops of the old
towers, the mosques, the well and its echo, the remains of Saladin's
palace, the Church of England chapel (established in the bathroom of a
former Sultan's harem), where service was frequently held, all received
much attention. Occasional trips by souvenir hunters were made to the
adjacent "Dead City." These were sometimes fruitful, for in one barrack
room an ancient skull was observed reposing on a shelf above an inmate's
bed.
Now and then concerts were given for the benefit of the hospital
patients, and an invitation for members of the Battalion to attend was
received.
[Illustration: THE CITADEL.
As seen from the Moqattam Hills. Cairo and the Nile in the distance.
_Photo. by Sergt. Arundel._]
On Sunday, 29th August, a visit was received from a party of Western
Australians who were friends and relatives of some members of the
28th, and were making a short stay in Egypt. The party included the Rev.
E. M. Collick, Archdeacon of Kalgoorlie; Mrs. Campbell Wilson; Mrs. and
Miss Montgomery; and Mrs. Makeham.
About the middle of August news of the heavy fighting, which had been
going on at the Dardanelles, began to dribble through. It was gathered
that the results had not been entirely such as could have been hoped
for, and that the casualties--particularly of the 10th Light Horse, the
11th and 16th Battalions--had been heavy. Information was also received
of a disaster to the Yeomanry on the 21st August.
Hospital trains began to arrive and discharge large numbers of wounded
into the hospitals. From the less seriously injured some idea of the
last advance was obtained, and it seemed evident that the 2nd Australian
Division would soon be called upon to play its part. In the third week
of the month the 5th Brigade marched off _en route_ to the front, and
was followed a few days later by the 6th Brigade.
These indications caused some stir in the Battalion and, although
definite orders had not been received, preparations for another move
were commenced.
On the 24th August were issued the colour patches which were to be worn
sewn on to the upper part of each sleeve of the jacket. In the case of
the 2nd Division the patch was diamond in shape. The 7th Brigade colour
was a light blue and the Battalion colour white. The "28th" therefore
wore a blue and white diamond, and by this badge was ever afterwards
distinguished.
About this time a slight change was made in the Battalion Staff. W.O. J.
Gettingby was promoted to be Quartermaster and Hon. Lieutenant. His
position as R.S.M. was filled by C.S.M. P. T. C. Bell.
On the 28th August orders were received that the Battalion would be
relieved on the following Monday and march out to camp. On the 30th
August the 5th Australian Training Battalion, commanded by Major J. S.
Lazarus, took over the garrison duties and the 28th, after being
photographed in mass formation, moved by way of the desert road, through
the Tombs of the Khalifs and Abbasia, to Aerodrome Camp, recently
vacated by the 5th Brigade. Only tents were available here, and the camp
was very dusty. As the tenancy was likely to be of a few days duration
only, these inconveniences were submitted to with a good grace.
Wheeled transport and riding horses could not, at that stage, be either
safely or profitably used on Gallipoli, so to the bitter disappointment
of Lieut. Graham and his section, the Divisional Commander ordered that
they be left behind--later on to be grouped with the rest of the
Divisional Train, exercised, and held in readiness against being
required.
On the 1st September a message from Brigade Headquarters directed that
the Battalion would proceed "overseas" on the 3rd September. All surplus
stores were at once got rid of, and spare baggage collected to be handed
over to the care of the Australian Base. The Regimental Orderly-room
Clerk, Staff Sergeant S. S. Thompson, was detailed and departed for duty
at the Australian Headquarters in Egypt, where he would be responsible
for the proper keeping of Battalion records.
The 2nd September witnessed the departure for Alexandria of a small
advance party, under Lieut. H. E. C. Ruddock, charged with the duty of
making all necessary arrangements for the reception of the troops when
arriving at the wharf. Tents were struck that afternoon and a bivouac
formed for the night.
After the evening meal on the following day the Battalion fell in, and a
check of the _personnel_ was made. Previously a number of sick, and the
few men in detention, had been struck off the strength and shown as
transferred to the Training Depot. It was now found that three or four
men were missing. As time did not permit of a search being made, a
report was sent to the A.P.M., and the additional names were also
removed from the roll.
Late that night the move commenced to Qubba station, where the train was
boarded. Each man was bearing a heavy burden. All ranks were fitted with
web equipment, carrying in their packs great coats and a few necessaries
and personal belongings, and bearing a blanket, waterproof sheet, three
days' rations of biscuits and preserved meat, together with an emergency
ration in a sealed tin, and (for those with rifles) 200 rounds of
ammunition. Officers carried revolvers, field glasses, prismatic
compass, and various other extras. They were also allowed to place their
valises on the train but, according to rumour, it was doubtful if they
would ever reach them on Gallipoli.
The entrainment was expeditiously carried out and, with the usual amount
of discomfort, the journey to the quay at Alexandria was completed by
daylight on the 4th September. Here Lieut. Ruddock was waiting and,
after some delay, the Battalion embarked on the transport in a similar
manner, minus the sympathetic crowd, to that witnessed at Fremantle.
CHAPTER V.
GALLIPOLI.
At this stage it is necessary, in order that the future environment may
be fully understood, to give some account of the Gallipoli Peninsula and
of the events of the 25th April, 1915, and later.
The Peninsula forms the European side to the Straits of the Dardanelles
and is about 53 miles in length. On the north-western side it is washed
by the waters of the Gulf of Xeros and on the western side by the Aegean
Sea. Near its northern end, at Bulair, it is only two and a half miles
across. At Suvla Burnu[G] it broadens out to about 12 miles, but narrows
again between Gaba Tepe[H] and Maidos to a bare four miles. Gaba Tepe is
about eight miles south of Suvla Burnu and Helles Burnu--the southern
end of the Peninsula--13 miles further. Cliffs of marl or sand, rising
very abruptly and varying in height from 100 to 300 feet, mark the
greater length of the shore. These are broken here and there by the
gullies which bring away from the interior the waters of the heavy
autumn and winter rains. From Gaba Tepe northwards to Suvla Bay there is
an almost uninterrupted stretch of beach from which, opposite the latter
feature, a somewhat marshy plain runs back to the foothills of Tekke
Tepe.
Groups of hills are marked features of the interior, the most prominent
being known as Sari Bair[I] which rises to a height of 971 feet at Koja
Chemin Tepe and is the one most familiar to the Australians. These hills
possess very steep--even precipitous--slopes which are much excoriated
by wind, rain, and frost, and broken into an amazing tangle of gullies
and hollows. Firs and stunted oaks, brushwood, oleanders or
rhododendrons, and other shrubs are thick wherever they can hold, and
form no inconsiderable obstacle--two to four feet high--to anyone's
passage.
Before the war a very small part of the land was under cultivation. A
few miniature olive and currant orchards, attempts at vineyards, and
trifling patches of beans and grain, represented the sole efforts at
tillage. There were no railways, and the few roads in existence were in
poor condition. In or near what afterwards became the British zone, the
only communities were those grouped around the fortifications near
Helles and the villages of Krithia, Kurija Dere, Biyuk Anafarta, and
Anafarta Sagir. On the side nearer Asia, Maidos, Galata, and Gallipoli
boasted the status of towns. Between these last-named points and into
the Sea of Marmara the communication and trade were mostly carried on by
means of boats.
[Illustration: SHOWING ALLIED LINES AT THE TIME OF THE EVACUATION.
_Map by Australian War Museum._]
The Gallipoli Peninsula formed part of Thrace of the ancients. Through
it Xerxes, the Persian king, after crossing the Dardanelles, attacked
the Greeks with an army and followers estimated at over 2,000,000. This
was about 480 B.C. It also lay in the route of Alexander the Great in
his march on Egypt and India commenced in 334 B.C. Later on it was
overrun by the Gauls, recovered by the Greeks, occupied by the Romans in
the 2nd century A.D., passed into the possession of the Venetians 1,000
years later, and was finally held by the Turks as a result of their
invasion of Europe in 1356. In 1807 a British naval squadron forced the
passage of the Straits but suffered considerable damage, when returning,
from large stone shot fired from the guns of the forts. Again, in 1853,
the British and French fleets sailed into the Sea of Marmara in support
of the Turks who were on the verge of war with Russia. At Bulair, in
March and April, 1854, the British troops on the way to the Crimea
landed, and, in conjunction with their allies, constructed across the
neck of the Peninsula the fortifications known as the Bulair Lines.
Following the outbreak of the great European War, Turkey, on the 31st
October, 1914, definitely threw in her lot with Germany. In order to
deal with the Ottoman, and at the same time restore communication with
Russia through the Black Sea route, the French and British Governments
decided to force the Straits. A bombardment was opened on the 3rd
November, 1914, but lasted for a few minutes only. On the 19th February
following, and succeeding days, a heavy bombardment was carried out and
small craft were engaged in mine-sweeping up towards the Narrows. Again,
on the 18th March, the attack was renewed--some ships penetrating the
Strait eight or ten miles--but the Turks loosed some large mines which
floated down and sunk three of the battleships. Now it became obvious
that the aid of land forces must be sought in order to deal with the
enemy defences. That task was committed to an army already assembling in
Egypt and on Lemnos Island. This army was under the command of General
Sir Ian Hamilton and was composed of a French Division, the 29th British
Division, the Royal Naval Division, and the Australian and New Zealand
Army Corps; the last-named formation being commanded by Major-General
Sir William Birdwood.
Very early in the morning of the 25th April, 1915, the attack was
commenced. The French troops landed at Kum Kale--on the Asiatic side of
the Strait; the 29th Division, and part of the R.N. Division, at five
places at the southern end of the Peninsula; the Anzac Corps at a cove
about 3,000 yards north of Gaba Tepe; whilst the major portion of the
R.N. Division was sent under convoy to make a feint in the Gulf of Xeros
near to the Bulair Lines.
The Australian attack was led by the 3rd Brigade (including the 11th
Battalion). After a week's heroic fighting (in which the 16th Battalion
took a prominent part) under conditions never before experienced in
warfare, and the loss of 9,000 killed, wounded, and missing, a position
was made good which extended in an arc from the foot of Walker's Ridge,
on the north, up to Russell's Top, across the head of Monash Gully, to
MacLaurin's Hill, continuing to Bolton's Ridge and resecting the beach
about 2,000 yards north of Gaba Tepe. The base of this arc measured
about 2,700 yards and the enclosed area did not exceed three-quarters of
a square mile.
During the next three months the Corps was reinforced by various drafts,
and four brigades of Light Horse dismounted. Attempts were made from
time to time to improve and extend the Australian position, but little
progress was made. At the same time the Turks were by no means idle for,
apart from fortifying their positions, they frequently attacked in
endeavours to drive us off their soil. The heaviest assault was on the
18th May when 30,000 fresh troops were flung at the 1st Division and the
New Zealanders. So effectually were they repulsed that the Turks begged
for an armistice for the purpose of collecting and burying the dead.
Sir Ian Hamilton, who had been strengthened by several new divisions,
planned a fresh attack for early in August. On the 6th of that month the
1st (N.S.W.) Brigade stormed Lone Pine. On the following morning attacks
were made from Steel's Post, Quinn's Post, Pope's Hill, and Russell's
Top, but all of these were unfruitful and caused heavy losses. The main
attack in the Anzac sector was, however, delivered from the left. This
commenced on the night of the 6th August and swept up the Sazli Beit and
Chailak Deres,[J] over Big Table Top, Bauchop Hill, and Rhododendron
Spur, to a position--afterwards called "The Apex"--within 400 yards of
the summit of Chunuk Bair.[K] A portion of the force detailed for this
advance moved up the Aghyl Dere and endeavoured to take Koja Chemin Tepe
from the west side but, after many casualties, had to entrench on some
of the under-features (Cheshire Ridge-Warwick Castle).
During the progress of this fighting the IX. Corps made a fresh landing
at Suvla Bay (6th-7th August). The combat was heavy and eventually a
junction was effected with the Australian left, but not one of the real
objectives was gained.
The operations were continued until the 29th August, on which date the
10th Light Horse, sent north to reinforce there, stormed Hill 60. This
was the last Australian attack on the Peninsula. Henceforth attention
was given solely to holding and strengthening the positions gained. The
2nd Australian Division took no part in any of these operations, but one
of its battalions--the 18th--arrived in time to join in the fighting for
the hill feature just mentioned.
The net result of the August fighting gave to the Anzac and IX. Corps a
continuous line of about 12 miles. This ran from the Brighton Beach to
the Gulf of Xeros. Behind this the depth did not average more than 1-1/4
miles but the Anzac area was enlarged from 300 acres to 8 square miles.
This gain cost the Australasians 18,000 casualties. The exhausted troops
remaining were gradually relieved by the 2nd Division pending the
further development of the British plans.
* * * * *
To return to the record of the events with which the 28th Battalion was
concerned after leaving Alexandria.
The knowledge gained during the voyage of the "Ascanius" enabled the
troops to settle quickly in their new quarters. In addition to the W.A.
Battalion there were on board two companies and the headquarters of the
27th Battalion. The transport, the "Ivernia,"[L] was a comfortable ship
of 14,000 tons register belonging to the Cunard Line. The captain and
officers at first displayed a rather cool and curt manner towards their
new passengers but in the course of a day or two visibly thawed. The
captain afterwards, in explanation, stated that from information he had
received in regard to the Australians he had expected to find in them an
absence of discipline and a tendency to "smash things." He was now
agreeably surprised to discover them so tractable and
well-behaved--comparing them in a most favourable manner with other
contingents he had carried.
[Illustration: CHUNUK BAIR.
Taken from Table Top--looking East. Corner of Rhododendron Spur at top of
right-side.
_Official Photo. No. G. 1830c._
_Copyright by Australian War Museum._]
Routine was quickly instituted. Special precautions had to be taken in
regard to enemy submarines which at this time had become very active
and had lately torpedoed the "Southland" conveying the Brigadier and
portion of the 6th Brigade as well as the G.O.C. and Staff of the 2nd
Australian Division. News of this occurrence had reached the Battalion
just prior to embarkation and naturally excited great interest. However,
the voyage proved uneventful, the weather good, and the colours of the
sea and evening skies a never failing attraction.
Heading towards Crete, the transport skirted its western coast and
thence wended its way through the Grecian Archipelago. Arriving off
Mudros Bay, Lemnos Island, on the evening of the 8th September, it was
found that a boom was across the entrance and the harbour closed for the
night. Nothing remained to be done but to stand on and off during the
hours of darkness. To cast anchor would have rendered the ship an easy
prey to the underwater craft. The sight of the "Southland" on a
neighbouring beach lent point to this possibility.
Shortly after sunrise the appearance of a British destroyer coming from
the direction of the Bay indicated that the entrance was now open.
Threading its way between numbers of British and French men-of-war and
other vessels the transport came to rest something less than a mile from
the shore.
Anchored in the vicinity was the R.M.S. "Aragon," now used as quarters
for the Inspector-General of the Line of Communications and his staff.
From this source orders were received to disembark the Battalion on the
following day. The arrangements necessary were few, consequently there
was little to do and most of the afternoon was spent in bathing at the
ship's side or in writing letters. Word had gone forth that the last
mail before reaching Gallipoli would close that night. So numerous were
the missives that it was found necessary to make every available officer
a censor for the time being in order that delay might be avoided. The
writings, as usual, were apropos of the occasion but it was found that
one man, anticipating events, had informed his mother that he was
writing his few words "by the light of the bursting shells."
Disembarkation was to commence at 2 p.m. on the 10th September but the
movement proved to be merely a transhipment to the Weymouth-Channel
Islands packet boat "Sarnia" which arrived, after a delay of one and
a-half hours, and tied up alongside the transport. Coincident with this
there appeared several staff officers delegated to "assist." The Senior
Naval Transport Officer, a captain in the Royal Navy, endeavoured to
make up the 90 minutes lost by urging speed in the move from one ship to
the other. When the futility of expecting fully equipped men to move
quickly over the solitary 15-inch plank laid down as a gangway was
pointed out to him, he showed signs of irritability and threatened an
adverse report on the handling of the troops. On being informed that it
was his privilege to make such a report he left the ship. However, he
was later observed in altercation with the skipper of the smaller vessel
and eventually a second gangway was rigged. When this move was commenced
there was room on the main deck for two companies only. The other two
were kept clear and their officers took refuge on the boat deck. There
they were found, reclining in chairs, by another staff officer duly
be-tabbed, trousered, brogued, and carrying a cane. He seemed to be
amazed at the indifference of the Australians to their impending move
and burst out "I say, you fellows, do you know that you've got to be off
this ---- ship in half an hour?" Being greeted with roars of laughter he
disappeared down the companionway calling plaintively, "Where's the
Colonel? Where's the Colonel?"
Within ten minutes of the time originally allowed, the Battalion had
passed over to the "Sarnia." As she sheered off loud cheers were given
for the captain of the "Ivernia" and groans for one of his officers whom
the men considered had been, on the voyage, over niggardly with the
rations. The packet boat, her decks rather tightly packed with troops,
moved down the Bay between the lines of the warships, whose crews
cheered and cheered again those now leaving for the front. Darkness was
falling as the transport entered the open sea and steamed at 17 knots in
the direction of Anzac--60 miles away to the north-east.
Some two hours elapsed and then star shells, bursting over Achi Baba,
near the Southern end of the Peninsula, gave the newcomers a first
glimpse of the "real war." Later on the guns could be heard and shell
explosions witnessed on the plain of Helles where the VIII. Corps and
the French had been for the previous five months. Keen were the watchers
on the deck of the "Sarnia" and keener still they became as the rugged
mass of Sari Bair loomed out of the sea. It was then known that the end
of the journey was at hand.
Nearing the Peninsula at this point--opposite Williams' Pier--resembled
somewhat an approach to Mt. Eliza on a dark night by boat from Perth
Water. Lights shone out from dugouts constructed in the steep slopes,
moving lights were discerned on the beach beneath, and the crest line
was in darkness except when now and then illuminated by the flash of a
bomb, shell, or gun. The simile could be pursued no further, for to
those who had not yet been in action the noise going on seemed to
indicate that some fierce fighting must be in progress. The dull but
powerful thud of exploding hand bombs, the sharper crashing explosion of
shell, the report of a discharging gun and the roar of its projectile,
echoed and re-echoed, in its flight along one of the numerous ravines,
induced belief that very little time must elapse before the 28th would
be "in it." It turned out otherwise, however, and subsequent experience
showed that these signs and sounds were the mere accompaniment of a
"quiet night."
[Illustration: WILLIAMS' PIER.
Where the 28th landed. Stores in the foreground. The vessel on the left
was sunk to act as a breakwater and afterwards used as a reservoir for
drinking water. Trawlers in the distance.
_Photo. lent by Mr. T. Pritchard._]
The "Sarnia" stopped her engines when about a mile from the shore.
Almost at once one or two flat craft, black in colour and without funnel
or rigging, were observed approaching. As they drew alongside a staff
officer came up the transport's gangway and delivered the orders for
landing the troops. The disembarkation commenced at once--the officers
and men filing down the gangway on to the waiting barges. These barges
had been given the name of "beetles." They were constructed of
bullet-proof iron plates, were propelled by motor engines set astern,
could attain a racing speed of five knots, and were designed to carry 50
horses or 500 men with stores, ammunition and water. Built for the
Suvla landing, the "beetles" had fully proved their usefulness, but
certainly they lacked every element of comfort.
During the disembarkation it was noted that a destroyer had moved in on
the right and was directing her searchlight on Gaba Tepe and vicinity.
This prevented any observation of the landing process from the direction
of the Turkish lines in that quarter. Occasionally she fired her guns
and generally gave the impression of intense watchfulness.
By midnight everybody was free of the ship, and the Battalion, leaving
Williams' Pier and guided by a staff officer, stumbled along the beach
in a northerly direction for a little over a mile to the shelter of
Waterfall Gully--a small hollow in the western side of Bauchop's Hill.
Two platoons of "A" Company, under Captain Montgomery, had been left on
the beach for fatigue duty there. They did not rejoin the unit until the
25th September.
Fatigued with the long day, and overburdened with the load of equipment,
rest was the first essential. An attempt was made to form a bivouac, but
so small was the space available, and so rough the ground, that the idea
had to be abandoned. The men were told to lie down where they
were--amongst disused trenches, numerous latrine pits, and close to the
remains of the 5th Connaught Rangers (88th) who had been decimated in
the fighting of the previous month.
During the night two companies of the 27th Battalion, under Major
Jeffrey, were landed. Within 24 hours the Brigadier and staff and the
remaining units of the brigade were also disembarked and sheltered in
various features near the beach. For the time being the brigade formed
part of the New Zealand and Australian Division which normally consisted
of the N.Z. Mounted Rifle Brigade and the N.Z. and 4th Australian
Infantry Brigades, together with certain artillery, engineers, and other
troops. The division was commanded by Major-General Sir A. J. Godley,
K.C.M.G.
At dawn of the 11th September, those of the 28th who were still sleeping
were rudely awakened by guns firing close at hand. A destroyer had moved
in to within a few cable lengths of the shore and was viciously shooting
over the heads of the infantry at some target which the enemy on Sari
Bair afforded.
During the next few hours contact was gained with the 16th Battalion in
reserve in Hay Valley near by. The new arrivals were heartily welcomed
by the exhausted remains of that famous unit whose adjutant was, on this
morning, shot through the chest whilst on his way to visit the 28th. Nor
did the inhabitants of Waterfall Gully escape the hostile bullet, for
before noon two members (Private F. T. Mitchell was the first) were hit
when they left the shelter of the valley to proceed to a well (kuyu) on
the adjacent beach. These were the earliest casualties as a result of
the enemy's fire.
Orders having been received to relieve the 4th Australian Infantry
Brigade, astride the Aghyl Dere, a party moved up and, after the C.O.
had conferred with Colonel Monash, reconnoitred the advanced positions.
Later in the day these orders were cancelled, and the 28th was directed
to take over the "Apex" salient from the Otago Battalion, N.Z. Infantry.
At 7 o'clock that evening Waterfall Gully was evacuated and the
Battalion moved up the Chailak Dere to the ravines between Bauchop's
Hill, Little Table Top, and Rose Hill. There the night was spent and
next evening, the "Apex" position having been reconnoitred, "C" and "D"
Companies moved to the front line and relieved the New Zealanders. "A"
and "B" Companies took up a position in reserve some 300 yards in rear,
near the head of the Chailak Dere. One platoon of "A" Company and the
Machine Gun Section were posted on Canterbury Slope--a position in
support of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade and on the left flank of
Rhododendron Spur.
The position the Battalion was now responsible for was the neck or
junction of the Rhododendron Spur with the Sari Bair feature. On the
right was the Sazli Beit Dere, and on the left the southern arm of the
Aghyl Dere. Behind was the ravine of the Chailak. The trenches ran along
in a pothook shape from Rhododendron Spur down to the Cheshire Ridge, on
the north side. Opposite to the centre was the actual summit, which was
called the "Pinnacle," and was held by the Turks. Here they had erected
a block house, which stood about 50 yards from our own trench. The enemy
earthworks lined the opposite sides of the gullies at a range varying
from 100 to 250 yards from our position--the right of which could be
enfiladed from the blockhouse.
To hold this salient was of vital importance. Its loss would have
severed the Australian line, turned the flank of the Cheshire Ridge, and
exposed to enfilade fire most of the ground gained to the northward
during the August fighting. A strong garrison and special vigilance were
both necessary. To this post of honour the Western Australian portion of
the 7th Infantry Brigade was allotted by reason of the high standard of
efficiency it had attained during the training period.
The remainder of the 7th Brigade was disposed as follows:--25th and 27th
Battalions on Cheshire Ridge, the left of the former resting on the
Aghyl Dere, and the right of the 27th joining up with the 28th, near
Apex. The 26th Battalion was held in Divisional Reserve, at Taylor's
Hollow, and supplied working parties for engineering and beach duties.
One company of the 27th was available as a reserve in the hands of the
Brigadier, who was located about half-a-mile from the front line, at the
Western foot of Table Top.
[Illustration: THE TRENCHES AT "THE APEX."
_Map by Australian War Museum._]
For tactical purposes, the "Apex" position was divided into four
posts--numbered from the right. "C" Company took Nos. 1 and 2 and was
afterwards relieved by "B" Company. "D" Company took Nos. 3 and 4 and
later handed over to "A" Company. Nos. 3 and 4 Posts were the closer to
the enemy and, consequently, of greater importance. Each post was
further divided into a certain number of Groups--each under a
Non-commissioned Officer. Three machine guns were mounted in the
parapet. After the first week, Lieut. Shaw took these over and also
mounted additional guns in secret emplacements, which were constructed
by digging through the escarp and tunnelling forward and upward.
The trenches were at least six feet deep and excavated in a kind of
conglomerate, which needed very little revetting and was a good bullet
or splinter stopper. A ledge or firestep ran along the inside of the
trench. Upon this the garrison stood if an attack was to be repelled.
The instructions for the posts required that men in them were to be
always in a state of readiness, _i.e._, rifle loaded, bayonet fixed, and
equipment worn. One man in each group acted as sentry. He usually sat on
a bag full of earth, placed on the firestep, and by means of a
periscope, watched for any movement of the enemy. In the wall of the
trench little excavations held boxes of reserve ammunition and
hand-bombs of various sorts.
The trenches having been commenced only a few weeks earlier, were in a
very incomplete state and required much labour and development.
Especially was this so in connection with the main communication
trenches. Support trenches had also to be constructed and excavations
made to establish a direct covered way to the Light Horse, on the
southern face of the Rhododendron Spur. These works were undertaken by
men from the supports and Battalion reserve. Many hard, long, weary
hours were put in with the pick and shovel and the sandbag--which last
was the only means of carrying away the spoil.
The defence at first was without any properly arranged plan for support
from the artillery or flanking units. Before the brigade left the
sector, however, the New Zealand Field Artillery Brigade, a British
6-inch Howitzer Battery, and a 4.7-inch Battery, all had their lines
laid down for fire to cover the front. An Indian Mountain Battery also
lay in a nook in the Chailak Dere--ready for any emergency. In addition,
no less than 31 machine guns--in front and on the flanks--could be
brought to bear on the threatened point. To assist in the machine gun
work, and advise on local conditions, the Battalion was fortunate in
having attached to it for a time Captain Rose, a British Service
officer of the Division, and that gallant soldier, Lieut Percy Black,
D.C.M.,[M] 16th Battalion.
[Illustration: THE APEX.
The exterior viewed from the South side. Our trench was where the figure
is standing. The nob shown at the right centre is the Pinnacle, and
marks the enemy trench. The horizon between was No-man's Land. In the
background are the trenches on the southern shoulder of Chunuk Bair.
_Official Photo. No. G. 1909. Copyright by Australian War Museum._]
As part of the defence arrangements, telephone communication was
maintained with brigade headquarters. The aerial wires were, however,
much exposed to hostile artillery fire and frequently cut. To repair
them Lieut. Scouler and his linemen, under Corporal Curran, made many
journeys across the exposed portion of the slopes of the ravines. Flag
signalling was unnecessary, but a lamp was mounted and sighted so that
in case of a sudden attack after dark support could be immediately
summoned.
Beyond the actual trenches there was little cover for the garrison. A
few excavations in the earth--designated "dugouts"--roofed with
waterproof sheets, afforded moderate protection against the weather, but
none against shrapnel, splinter, or bomb. The C.O. was the possessor of
quarters boasting a covering of two sheets of corrugated iron which had
a thin layer of earth on top. This, however, demonstrated its degree of
usefulness by falling in upon its occupant. Later on excavations were
made in the walls of the communication trenches--each to afford a
"comfortable" sleeping place for two or more men.
To assist the newcomers it had been arranged to leave in the trenches a
few officers and men of the New Zealanders. Major W. W. Alderman was
attached as Staff Officer to the Commanding Officer. A N.Z. Field
Company of Engineers had charge of the works in the area, and for the
first week the N.Z. Infantry manned the machine guns. The help thus
rendered was invaluable to the inexperienced, and a strong feeling of
mutual regard sprang up between the members of the two Dominions. The
majority of the New Zealanders thus remaining were Maoris--a body of men
of fine physique, who had demonstrated their capacity to endure and also
proved their worth as keen and sterling fighters. The Maoris had their
own chaplain and medical officer. The latter (Dr. M. P. Buck) later
commanded the N.Z. Pioneer Battalion.
The attitude of the opposing armies at this time was not altogether
passive. A war of attrition was carried on continuously. This took the
form of daily bombardments by the artillery of positions and areas
behind the trenches; also the raking of parapets of opposing trenches,
and No Man's Land, by machine gun fire at night. Sniping with the rifle
had become a fine art, and authenticated cases, wherein a Turk had been
knocked over, were mentioned in Orders. One Light Horseman, it was
recorded in Corps Orders, had over 200 of the enemy to his credit. This
sniping was done from carefully concealed positions (possies), from
steel loopholes built into the parapet, or by means of the periscope
rifle which latter enabled the user to fire over the sandbags without
any exposure of his own body.
Sniping with field guns was also indulged in. In this the enemy had the
advantage by reason of being on higher ground and able to overlook most
of the Australian sector. Working parties, parties in movement, and
individuals who came under observation, were usually treated to a dose
of shrapnel fired with excellent aim and timing from 77 millimeter guns
of high velocity. The projectile from this gun was usually designated a
"whizz-bang" on account of the short space of time which elapsed between
the first sound of its approach and that of the explosion of the shell.
By some grim humourist it was said that if one could hear the shell
coming there was no danger to be feared, but if, on the other hand, the
sound was not audible, then there was no need to worry. The burial
parties would do all that was necessary.
In fighting between trench and trench, considerable use was made,
besides the rifle, of bombs or grenades. These were of varied types,
with either concussion or missile effect, and some were thrown by hand
whilst others were propelled from mortars or catapults. The Mills
grenade had just made its appearance, and was regarded as a special
reserve of power in case of an enemy attack. The numbers of these
available were small but other types were more plentiful and included
the jam tin, cricket ball, time and friction, match head, and hair
brush. Some were ignited by mechanical action and others by match or
portfire. Portfires were made by wrapping a piece of khaki drill tightly
around a thin strip of pine wood. One of these when once lit would burn
for hours.
Of Trench Mortars the Apex position possessed two--one a 3.7 inch and
the other, smaller, a Garland Howitzer. These threw light bombs a short
distance. Their effect was quite local and, except in case of a direct
hit on a person, hardly more than moral. One of these mortars was
located on either flank of the position. Private F. Congdon was placed
in charge of that on the right and Private J. B. Deering that on the
left. These soldiers soon learned to use their weapons so effectively
that the Turk was discovered, early one morning, to have placed a
protective wire-netting screen in front of and over the Blockhouse.
Later on the Battalion made the acquaintance of the Catapult. This
machine resembled a large "shanghai" fixed to timber, one end of which
rested on the parapet whilst the other--in the trench--was packed in a
manner to give the required elevation. A cricket ball or jam tin bomb
was placed in the pouch and the rubbers were then strained by means of a
crank handle winding up a wire attached to the pouch with a trip hook.
When the required tension was obtained one man lit the fuse and retired
to cover. The other, the expert, allowing the fuse to burn for a certain
time--to suit the range, pulled the string which released the trip. If
all went well the bomb sailed over towards the Turk. Sometimes, however,
the trip would fail, or the rubbers foul. Then the bomb would make a
very short flight and might not even clear the home trench. In
consequence of these possibilities, the local area was never overcrowded
with inquisitive people and the experts became expert also at taking
cover.
[Illustration: AT THE APEX.
Using the Periscope Rifle.
_Photo. lent by Mrs. H. Simm._]
[Illustration: "THE FARM."
Taken from No. 4 Post at the Apex.
_Photo. lent by Mrs. H. Simm._]
In some parts of the line bombing was carried on from "bombing bays."
These bays were small earthworks constructed, usually, in advance but
connected with the main trench. Two men were placed in occupation of
each. One man was an experienced thrower and the other, as the Turk had
the unpleasant habit of retaliating, held a half-filled sandbag which he
dropped upon any enemy bomb which happened to land within the bay. With
low power grenades this method was effective but failed when applied to
such as were invented by Mills.
Two other types of weapons may be mentioned here. One used by us and the
other by the enemy. The first was a Japanese mortar which fired a 50 lb.
bomb having a good range and a large bursting charge. This had been used
by our ally during the Russo-Japanese War. The Battalion made its
acquaintance when the move to Russell's Top took place, in December, but
unfortunately the ammunition was too scarce to permit of any lasting
benefit being derived, although the few rounds that were fired proved
their destructive effect on the opposing trenches. The Turkish weapon
was known as the "broomstick bomb" and was also propelled from a mortar.
It consisted of a 4-inch cartridge case filled with a high explosive and
also containing metal such as boiler punchings, nails, etc. (in one case
gramophone needles were discovered), and provided with a percussion cap.
It was fitted to a stick about two inches thick and five feet long. Its
descent into our lines or support area was almost vertical--hence no
cover then available was proof against it. Its effect was very
destructive and its toll of life heavy. A sentry usually watched for and
gave warning of the approach of one of these missiles, and the scene
which followed his stentorian "Look out!" was somewhat animated.
Hairbreadth escapes from destruction were numerous. Two of these will
bear relation.
A batman, preparing an evening meal, was interrupted by the arrival of a
bomb which had glanced off some obstacle and now came to a halt across
the cooking fire. The batman hurriedly evacuated his position but,
fortunately, the uninvited guest did not explode and was carefully
removed out of harm's way by the adjutant. The very next morning a
second missile came to rest on the waterproof sheet furnishing cover for
this same man. This was more than he could bear--"it was over the
odds"--and he complained. Some difficulty was experienced in restoring
to him the correct viewpoint in regard to such occurrences.
The second incident was an experience of Lieut. G. A. F. Smith, who,
whilst sitting in a newly constructed "safe" dugout, and enjoying a
meal, was startled by a sudden clatter and almost blinded by an upheaval
of earth and dust. Clearing his eyes he discovered the ruined remains of
his repast, and, lying between his legs, an unexploded broomstick bomb
that had glanced off the opposite wall of the communication trench and
slid into the excavation. Somebody in the Battalion tacked a story on
to this occurrence. It was said that this officer's batman, having
observed the arrival of the bomb, approached the dugout and, peering
cautiously into it, was greeted with "Hallo! What shall I do with this?"
His reply was: "If you will wait until I get around the corner, you can
do as you ---- well like with it."
FOOTNOTES:
[G] Burnu = cape.
[H] Tepe = hill.
[I] Bair = spur.
[J] Dere.--Valley with stream.
[K] Portion of Sari Bair group of hills.
[L] The "Ivernia" on the 1st January, 1917, when in the Mediterranean,
was torpedoed and sunk by an enemy submarine; 153 lives were lost. Dr.
Riley, Archbishop of Perth, was a passenger.
[M] Afterwards Major P. Black, D.S.O., D.C.M., C. de G. Killed at
Bullecourt, 11th April, 1917.
CHAPTER VI.
GALLIPOLI
(continued).
The first night (12th-13th Sept.) in the trenches was not without
serious mishap. Lieut. F. E. Jensen, who had seen service in the South
African War, and was one of the most promising of the junior officers,
was shot through the face when standing on the firestep instructing one
of his platoon. He died a few hours later.
The hours of darkness were punctuated by short bursts of machine gun
fire and occasional rifle shots at movement, or suspected movement, on
the other side. Now and then one of our guns would send a shell over
towards the Turks. Subsequent experience showed that at night time the
enemy rarely replied to these, as he feared that the flashes from his
artillery would disclose his positions and thus afford an opportunity to
the watching Navy with its heavier weapons.
Every soldier in the front trenches was alert. Post commanders moved
about supervising, and the attached New Zealanders imparted useful
information in regard to trench warfare methods, such as how to outwit
the wily Turk; the essential discipline; and precautions to ensure
safety to the individual. Opportunity of gaining an acquaintance with
No-Man's Land was afforded through the necessity of examining and
repairing the protective wire entanglements, which were thrown out in
front and consisted of a few strands of barbed wire and French wire very
imperfectly secured. Now and then senior officers passed down the
forward trench intent on seeing that the general plan of defence was
being adhered to.
Dawn brought increased activity. At that hour--the then accepted hour
for an attack--every man in the Battalion was awake and stood at his
post fully armed and equipped. This state of readiness was referred to
in "orders" as the "Stand To," and was observed morning and evening.
Thus the soldier remained until some 30 minutes later, when the order
"Stand Down" was passed along. On such occasions the absence of fuss and
noise in movement, it is generally agreed, is an indication that a unit
is well disciplined. One of our battalions momentarily went astray in
this respect, and its men in the front trenches, early one morning, were
treated to an unexpected touch of humour on the part of the enemy, from
whose locality a voice, in more or less perfect English, was heard
calling "Stand to, --th Battalion!"
[Illustration: IN THE FRONT LINE AT THE APEX.
_Photo. lent by Mr. A. J. Shipway._]
To the 28th the "Stand Down" brought some relaxation, both mental and
physical, as the rising of the sun restored sight to the sentries and
imparted increased confidence to the whole. Light revealed rather a
marked change in the appearance of individuals. The chill of the night
air had impelled many to put on their greatcoats. Some had even donned
their Balaclava caps, which, showing only the eyes, nose, and mouth of
the wearer, and surmounted by a hat or cap, gave a grotesque effect.
Clothing smeared with earth, eyes bloodshot for want of sleep, and
scrubby chins disclosed the need and benefit of, amongst other things, a
wash. Water for this was, however, not available except in small
quantities, and the man was lucky who secured one that day. The next
best thing was a meal, and this consisted of army biscuit and tinned
meat (bully beef) washed down by a small quantity of tea, which the
Quartermaster had sent up hot but which reached those who needed it in a
lukewarm condition.
[Illustration: EXCAVATING A "BIVVY" IN THE SUPPORT TRENCHES, THE APEX.
_Photo. lent by Mrs. H. Simm._]
Following that was the cleaning up of the trenches. This consisted of
collecting all scraps of food, empty tins, bits of paper, etc., and
removing from the floor the debris that had fallen from the walls, or
parapet and parados, during the previous 24 hours. Then came attention
to rifle and bayonet, which were to be kept free of obstruction and
rust. The reserve ammunition and bombs, some of which were open to the
air, had also to be wiped free of verdigris and dust so that they would
not jam or clog when required for use. This daily cleaning up had become
almost a fetish in the army, but it undoubtedly engendered habits of
orderliness--thereby promoting efficiency, and also had a material
effect on the health of the individual by keeping down the flies, which
would swarm around any tins or other receptacles which had contained
food, or any of the food itself.
This day brought the Battalion for the first time under direct artillery
fire. It was the enemy's custom to indulge in a "hate" morning and
afternoon. This would take the form of a bombardment of from 20 to 80
rounds of 77 millimeter shrapnel and high explosive shells. Large
calibre guns were not directed on the Apex whilst the Battalion was
stationed there. With the high explosive projectiles was used a
percussion fuse, and these were intended more for the demolition of
works than man killing. Actually they did little damage and, except on
one occasion when a direct hit was secured in a machine gun emplacement,
no one was injured. Shrapnel was used in a different manner, and was far
more dangerous. The fuse was for time, and the range and fuse were so
harmonised that the shell burst in the air, short of and above the
target, thus allowing the bullets it contained to sweep forward and
downward, spreading out fan-like as they progressed. Many of the small
missiles thus entered the trenches, but by keeping close to the forward
wall of the excavations immunity from damage was generally secured to
the individual. Occasionally the Turk threw in a few rounds from a
mountain gun which he had secreted somewhere on the slope of Sari Bair.
These simply whizzed through the air and buried themselves in the earth
without doing any damage to either man or trench.
The 28th stood its baptism of fire well, and was more curious than
alarmed at the noise, smoke, and earth upheavals caused by the enemy's
action. Some of the men early disclosed the possession of the "souvenir"
habit by collecting specimens of the shrapnel pellets. Unfortunately
that portion of the Battalion in reserve, not being under any cover
except a slight fold in the ground, sustained a few casualties by
wounds.
Early in the morning the Brigadier paid a visit to the lines and was
indefatigable in his zeal for the safety of the position and the welfare
of his command. Throughout the short period of his stay on the Peninsula
his characteristics in this respect were most marked and, for a man of
his advanced years, the wonders he achieved in hill climbing, and the
risks he ran from enemy snipers, were a subject of frequent comment.
About noon the Battalion made the acquaintance of Sir William Birdwood,
who went through the trenches accompanied by Sir Alexander Godley and a
staff officer. His attractive personality, unassuming manner, and his
kindly and tactful inquiries, instantly earned the regard of the
newcomers. A particular incident which occurred that morning may serve
to illustrate his general attitude. He came to a Western Australian and
a New Zealander standing together. To the W.A. man he said, "Are you
28th?" Receiving an affirmative answer the General placed a hand on the
man's shoulder and remarked, "We are very glad you've come. You know
what your comrades of the 1st Division have done, and we know that, when
the time arrives, you will do the same." Then placing the other hand on
the Maori's shoulder, he concluded, "And you can show him how to do it,
can't you?"
Of a different disposition, the Divisional Commander contented himself,
during his first visit, with merely observing and asking a question here
and there. His subsequent visits were frequent and seldom welcomed by
the rank and file, who found him awe-inspiring and hypercritical. He
was, however, known to unbend and show generous appreciation of honest
effort and good work. On rare occasions he unexpectedly revealed the
possession of a sense of humour.
Other visitors came on this first day. From the 10th Light Horse, which
was located near the Sazli Beit Dere; from the 11th and 12th Battalions,
holding the line far down on the right; from the 16th Battalion,
awaiting embarkation for Lemnos Island, where they were to have a
well-earned rest; and from the 8th Battery, also with the 1st Division.
These came to see relatives and friends in order to exchange news of
home and of pals who had gone under or been wounded. With the advent of
the 2nd Division began a system of transfer of individuals of one unit
to another whereby an elder brother, say, in the 11th Battalion, could
apply for permission for a younger brother who had arrived in the, say,
28th Battalion, to join him. If the younger brother was agreeable to the
change, approval for the transfer was seldom withheld.
When the line was "quiet" the men were enabled to examine the enemy's
positions with the aid of periscopes. No signs of movement could be
discerned, but the long lines of trenches rising tier above tier on the
opposite hillsides indicated how difficult would be the task should a
further advance be ordered. The observers on Nos. 2 and 3 Posts mostly
concentrated their attention on the ground in the vicinity of the
Pinnacle. From there a sniper was taking shots at any object which
appeared above our parapets or at a loophole. Very rapid and accurate as
he was, it was soon found that a certain amount of skill was required to
camouflage and look through a periscope without having one's eyes
destroyed with broken glass. A small Union Jack, mounted on a stick less
than half an inch in diameter, was cut down at the sniper's first
attempt.
In No-man's Land, in front of the two posts mentioned, could be seen the
remains of a trench dug by the New Zealanders in their August advance.
This they had been compelled to abandon together with their dead
comrades who lay about, still unburied, rapidly decomposing in the sun
which yet retained the strength of summer. Picks, shovels, rifles and
equipment also littered the landscape. Within our own area there were
likewise grim reminders of the fight. Here and there a limb protruded
through the wall of a newly cut trench, whilst in other places a piece
of biscuit box, or a rifle stuck into the earth muzzle down, both
bearing a name written in indelible pencil, indicated the last resting
place of some fallen comrade.
From No. 4 Post the observer could look down on "The Farm." This was a
spot on the side of Chunuk Bair at the head of the Aghyl Dere, and had
formerly been cultivated. Now the Turk had commenced to entrench across
it, and was apparently working on it under cover of darkness. Beyond, to
the north, running up over the ridge (Kiretch Tepe Sirt) which bordered
the Gulf of Xeros, could be seen the whole of the line held by the 54th
Division and IX. Corps. The principal features were Hill 60 (Kaijak
Aghala), W Hills (Ismail Oglu Tepe), the village of Anafarta Sagir,
Chocolate Hill, the salt lake near Suvla Bay, and the bay itself with
the hill Lala Baba on its southern side.
The support of the Royal Navy was further manifested by the presence in
the Bay, behind the IX. Corps, of a cruiser and some smaller craft. From
one of these a sausage-shaped balloon occasionally ascended some few
hundred feet and afforded observation of the enemy's rear lines. A
glance down the ravine of the Chailak, between Bauchop's Hill and Table
Top, revealed H.M.S. "Grafton," a second class cruiser, anchored about
two miles from the shore, whose 9.2 and 6-inch guns supplied a powerful
backing to the weak artillery of the Anzac Corps.
September 14th did not pass without loss. That morning witnessed the
deaths of Sergt. F. W. Ball and two other members as the result of
shrapnel fire. Later in the day another member succumbed to wounds.
Snipers also levied their toll of those moving about where the reserve
was situated. In consequence of this a move was made to a more sheltered
quarter and the unsafe dugouts were evacuated. On the 16th there were
two further fatal casualties.
During the next two days the men became more accustomed to their life
and surroundings. Those in the front trench had by far the easier time.
Those in support had to handle the pick and shovel in the works for the
improvement of the position. Digging was hard. The conglomerate-like
composition of the soil resisted the shovels and turned the points of
the picks. Recourse was had to the Navy, who supplied a small forge for
the sharpening of the latter. Thus to other noises was added that of the
hammer on anvil. The reserves were utilised by the Brigade and Division
for works in rear of the position. The demands of the Engineers seemed
never ending and were often in excess of the number of men available.
This caused considerable confusion and irritation followed by requests
from the Division for explanations as to labour not being forthcoming.
These requests had usually to be met by lengthy and involved "returns"
which very few people understood and which served no useful purpose
except to temporarily alleviate the strain. As a rule the exasperating
situation was restored next day. Nor was the necessity for the work at
first apparent to the men. They thought they came to fight with the
bullet and bayonet only. But enlightenment came and one experienced
miner voiced it, after a solid week on excavating, when he said "I have
just discovered I have been a blanky soldier all my life."
[Illustration: VIEW FROM BABY 700.
Showing Suvla Bay, the Salt Lake, the Plain, and the distant hills
bordering the Gulf of Xeros. The mouth of the Chailak Dere is opposite
to the hulk on the beach.
_Official Photo. No. G. 1998. Copyright by Australian War Museum._]
Long hours of hard work usually induce sound sleep at night, but with
the platoons in support this happy condition was difficult to achieve. A
few had "bivies" excavated in the walls of the trenches, but most men
had only the floor of the trench upon which to lie. Here, clothed in
their overcoats and wrapped in their single blankets, they
slumbered--only to be rudely awakened now and then by the pressure on
some part of their anatomy of the feet of a passenger to or from the
front line. On dark nights careless senior officers when going their
rounds were treated to loud and homely descriptions of themselves which
in daylight and cold blood would scarcely even have been whispered to a
comrade. In the front trench, where the garrison was relieved by the
supports every 24 hours, sleep was, theoretically, not to be thought of.
However, the normal man felt that at some time during the 24 hours it
was good to close his tired eyes--if only for a few minutes. After all,
a seat on a sandbag, and a good solid wall against which to rest one's
back, did give a little comfort. The officer in making his tour of
inspection would ask a question here and there and occasionally mount
the firestep and talk with the sentry. Usually the noise of his approach
was sufficient to ensure alertness on his entering a bay that was
manned, but, now and then, stertorous breathing and the attitude of the
sentry, as revealed by his silhouette against the light of the moon or
stars, would indicate that the flesh had momentarily vanquished the
spirit. The touch of a hand was sufficient to restore wakefulness.
Apropos of this, a senior officer, rather irritable at the moment, once
touched an apparently sleeping sentry on the knee, at the same time
asking the question "Look here! Are you asleep?" He was rather
confounded at receiving the undoubtedly truthful answer "No, Sir."
At 4.30 p.m. on the 18th September, the Turks suddenly commenced a heavy
bombardment of the position and back areas. Shrapnel and high explosive
were supported by rifle and machine-gun fire at a rapid rate. A glance
in the direction of Suvla revealed a sight resembling an exhibition of
gigantic chrysanthemums--the white smoke of bursting shrapnel, before
dissipating, closely resembling that flower in form. Here and there
columns of black smoke and earth would suddenly spring into existence
indicating the arrival and explosion of large calibre shells. Everything
pointed to some important move on the part of the enemy. Orders were
instantly given for the garrison to "stand to" and the reserves to move
up in close support. These orders were obeyed with alacrity. All ranks
were eager and the answer to the oft-repeated question, "What are we
here for?" seemed to be at hand. Rifles and revolvers were loaded,
grenades served out, and the New Zealanders manned their machine guns.
Within a minute or two of the opening of the bombardment our own guns
commenced to reply on the enemy trenches. For a time the noise was
deafening--a regular babel of sounds through which, in spite of the
crashing of shells, could be distinguished the tapping of machine guns
and the swishing of bullets in flight. However, the enemy stuck to
cover. Whether or not he intended to make a demonstration only is not
clear, but information received later from Suvla showed that a few
officers had jumped on to the parapet and waved their swords in the
apparent vain attempt to lead their men, who, whilst shouting loudly,
were reluctant to leave the safety of the earthworks. In half an hour
the firing died down, and normal conditions were resumed. The Battalion
had suffered no casualties and had demonstrated its steadiness under
sustained fire.
On Sunday, 19th September, a party consisting of one officer from each
battalion of the Brigade made a tour of inspection of the Lone Pine
position and the trenches running down to Chatham's Post on the extreme
right. Additional parties went on the 21st and 23rd. These tours were
arranged for instructional purposes, and were valuable aids to acquiring
a knowledge of trench warfare methods. Further, they gave the
participants many ideas on the use that could be made of ground and of
the wonders performed by the troops who made the original landing on
25th April.
At dusk the Maoris assembled just below the Apex. Divine service was
conducted by their own chaplain in the Maori tongue, but in accordance
with the Church of England liturgy and with the orthodox intoning. The
scene was an impressive one, and will not easily be forgotten by those
who witnessed it. Other gatherings for worship were held when
circumstances permitted, but, as a rule, senior officers objected to
their men gathering in numbers when so few spots in the limited area
behind the lines were not exposed to shell fire. Chaplains, therefore,
had to visit the individual members of their flocks wherever they could
find them. This meant much hill climbing and the running of considerable
risk from gun and rifle fire. Many a padre acquired great merit by his
unselfishness and disregard of danger. Should casualties have occurred
during the day, small knots of people might be seen at night down near
the beach, or on some other exposed slope, reverently interring a
comrade who had fallen. Here the padres performed the last offices for
the dead.
Early in the morning of the 20th occurred one of those incidents which
have often been narrated but seldom authenticated. Private G. J. Owen,
whilst standing on the firestep observing, felt a blow on the chest. On
an examination of his clothing it was found that a bullet had penetrated
his greatcoat and jacket, and also a wallet in his jacket pocket, and
finally spent itself in the centre of a small Bible that he was in the
habit of carrying with him. Owen was quite uninjured and has, since his
return to Australia, published his own story.
This day the Pinnacle was heavily shelled by our 6-inch howitzers in an
attempt to demolish the Blockhouse and a small redoubt behind it. Both
works were looked upon as serious obstacles to possible future
operations locally.
"C" Company having been in the line for seven days, was relieved by "B"
Company and moved into a reserve position. The following evening "A"
Company similarly relieved "D" Company.
On the 21st September two enemy shells accounted for five of the Western
Australians. This day Sir Ian Hamilton visited the Brigade, but as the
climb was steep, and the sun hot, he did not ascend to the Apex. In his
"Gallipoli Diary" he thus records his impressions--"saw the new
Australian Division--very fine fellows. Bullets were on the whistle and
'the boys' were as keen and happy as any real schoolboys. Memories of
the Khyber, Chitral and Tirah can hardly yield samples of a country so
tangled and broken. Where the Turks begin and we end is a puzzler, and
if you do happen to take a wrong turning, it leads to Paradise. Met
various Australian friends--a full blown Lord Mayor--many other leading
citizens, both of Melbourne and Sydney."
The next day brought trouble for the Battalion, the enemy's shrapnel
killing three and wounding 10 or 11. Sergt. J. Hodgson was also fatally
shot through the chest by a bullet, which entered the trench through a
crevice near a loophole. Most of these casualties were suffered by "D"
Company in reserve, and as the whole of the upper part of the Dere now
seemed to be searched by the Turkish fire, the reserve company was moved
lower down to ground in the vicinity of that occupied by the 27th
Battalion. During the first days, a good deal of this fire was attracted
by the men, in disregard of repeated orders, foolishly exposing
themselves on the open spaces. At that time they had little knowledge of
distances, of the searching effect of shrapnel and machine gun fire, or
of the powers of observation possessed by the enemy. Moving about in
their blue cardigans--their khaki jackets being discarded when not in
the trenches--they afforded an easily distinguishable mark for the
hostile gunner. Later on wisdom, born of experience, preserved many
lives or limbs. Before leaving Egypt, the Brigadier had said, in a
manner that caused his audience some grim amusement, "No one doubts your
bravery, but you should not take unnecessary risks. If you do, you may
only get wounded and thus become a heav
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