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Title: The 28th: A Record of War Service in the Australian Imperial Force, 1915-19, Vol. I - Egypt, Gallipoli, Lemnos Island, Sinai Peninsula
Author: Collett, Herbert Brayley, 1877-1947
Language: English
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IN THE AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE, 1915-19, VOL. I***
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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 depôt 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 depôt
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 depôt
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 depôt 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 rôle 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 £50.
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 Depôt. 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 Depôt, 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 Depôt. 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 Depôt 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 depôt, 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 £1 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 £50 would cover the whole of the damage done. The
claims submitted by the native shopkeepers totalled up to some £3,000.
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 Depôt. 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 débris 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 heavy expense to the Government."
About this period, the Corps Commander directed the commencement of
tunnelling operations at the Apex. It was intended to drive under the
enemy's works and, when the time was ripe, blow them and their occupants
into the air. As the 28th had many miners in its ranks, it was asked to
supply the labour which would be applied under the direction of the
Engineers. Lance-Sergeant E. A. Arundel, who had been a mine manager on
the Goldfields, was placed in charge of the party. The work was carried
on for many weeks before the party was relieved. Eventually, a mine was
blown here on the night of the final evacuation by the Australians.
The 22nd September also saw the return of Lieut. Davey's platoon from
Canterbury Slope, it having been replaced by one from the 25th
Battalion.
Next day the Battalion was interested in the arrival of the first
specimen of the "broomstick" bomb. No casualties resulted. Some activity
developed on the left of the IX. Corps front, where an artillery duel
continued for some time. The warships in the Bay joined in but
eventually the gunfire died down. Outbursts of firing would frequently
occur at night in the neighbourhood of Hill 60 and beyond. These could
be heard and witnessed from the Apex and it was generally understood
that the British were endeavouring to improve their ground or positions
by sapping forward. Occasionally a naval searchlight would illuminate
the area. At other times flares, made of oakum soaked in petrol and
secured to wooden contrivances, would be thrown out into No-Man's
Land--there, for a time, to burn merrily. Pistol flares were then only
just making their appearance and very few had been issued.
4.40 a.m. of the 24th September witnessed the Battalion in a state of
expectancy. Brigade headquarters had sent warning that an attack might
be expected. Beyond, however, several bombs falling harmlessly near the
bivouacs nothing happened. At 8 o'clock that night a demonstration was
made by the troops on the right. These consisted of the 1st and 2nd
Australian Divisions. The 3rd Light Horse Brigade joined in and for half
an hour a very brisk fire from guns, rifles, and machine guns was kept
up. These demonstrations were made for the twofold object of harassing
the enemy and compelling him to disclose his dispositions. They seldom
achieved the latter.
After "C" and "D" Companies were relieved an attempt was made to gain
further knowledge of No-Man's Land and the enemy's works and movements
at night. Patrolling was the only means available and as the distance
between the opposing trenches was, at this point, so small the
undertaking was extremely hazardous and needed the exercise of great
caution. Lieut. A. H. Davey took out the first patrol which, going out
from No. 4 Post, crawled amongst the dead and _débris_ towards the
Pinnacle. It returned 30 or 40 minutes later without having been
observed and without information of any special value. On its return
journey it collected the identity discs from some of the unburied
bodies. Subsequent patrols had little better luck. The enemy seemed, on
his part, to be quite content to stick to his cover and to run no risk
by appearing on the open ground. Our patrols, however, also did other
work. They salvaged a considerable quantity of rifles, tools, and
equipment. These articles were collected and sent down to the base on
the beach. Turkish rifles were almost as valuable as our own, as the
same pattern was in use by the Belgians, and any captured or recovered
were intended for their use. A later Corps Order commented favourably on
the work done by the 28th in this respect. As patrols could not move in
any force without attracting unwelcome attention, three or four men,
including an officer, were sufficient for the purpose in view. Rifles
being inconvenient to carry when crawling, the party was usually armed
only with revolvers and a couple of Mills grenades. Further patrolling
was done each night down a long sap connecting the left of No. 4 Post
with the 27th Battalion on Cheshire Ridge. Also from the right of No. 1
Post in order to keep in touch with the Light Horse on Rhododendron Spur
pending the completion of the communication trench.
In such broken ground it was not impossible for a man to lose contact
with the other members of a patrol. It is on record that one individual,
having lost his way, was observed approaching our trench. Seeing a head
and shoulders suddenly appear through the bushes in front of him, the
sentry was about to fire, but, being restrained by an officer,
challenged instead and exclaimed in a voice full of intent, "Speak! Who
are you?" The stray, whose position between the two lines was not an
enviable one, replied hurriedly, "Private William M----, of Subiaco,
Western Australia." "Come in, you ruddy fool," rejoined the
disappointed sentry. But M----'s luck was still out, for, in
endeavouring to respond to the invitation, he got foul of the wire
entanglements and crashed heavily to the ground. There he lay for some
time until eventually he was dragged in by his comrades.
In country of the nature mentioned the most careful arrangements and
fullest exchange of information between neighbouring units, when the
sending out of patrols was contemplated, was of vital importance.
Through the neglect of these measures collisions, resulting in
casualties, occurred on two occasions between patrols and the men in the
front line trenches.
On the 25th September Captain Montgomery's party rejoined from the
Beach.
On this day, and on the 27th, the Turk showered quite a considerable
number of the broomstick bombs into the position. A few casualties
resulted. Our artillery were telephoned and retaliated with 6-inch
howitzer and 18-pounder shells. The arrival and powerful burst of the
former missiles were received with cheers by the harassed garrison, and
the enemy soon desisted. There was a strong back blast from our heavier
projectiles and a few men, some distance down the Dere, were struck by
splinters. As there was some uncertainty as to the exact daily error of
our guns, it was, on occasions, necessary to thin the front line
garrisons in order to guard against a shell falling short. One man,
engaged cleaning up the trench which led down to the 27th Battalion, was
buried to the neck as a result of a naval shell landing a few feet
behind him and driving in the wall of the excavation. Fortunately he was
able to call out and was quickly released.
The 26th and 27th were days selected for inter-company reliefs. "C" and
"D" Companies went back into the line.
As it was believed that the morale of the enemy had been lowered
considerably by the heavy losses he had sustained, attempts were made to
induce him to desert. One of the means adopted was propaganda
literature--in Turkish and Arabic--which was attached to "dud" grenades
and propelled into the enemy area. It is not known whether this method
had any success, but the infantry sent along a story--told at the
expense of another arm of the service--that one man did come in and
surrendered himself to the commanding officer's cook, whom he had to
awaken.
Enemy espionage was suspected and a native barber, who used to wander
around the support and reserve areas, came under surveillance. He
disappeared, and his ultimate fate is unknown, but rumour had it that
the Light Horse had "given him a start over the parapet."
CHAPTER VII.
GALLIPOLI (continued).
Up to this time poison gas had been unknown in the Dardanelles campaign,
although all ranks were supplied with a small respirator which covered
the nose and mouth and was secured with tapes that tied behind the head.
It was understood that the British had, in reserve, effective means of
retaliation should the Turk resort to it. However, on the 28th
September, the enemy, who had been rather aggressive all day with
shrapnel, bomb, and rifle fire, in the afternoon loosed a broomstick
bomb, which burst in the air above the Apex and emitted a whitish
vapour. This vapour drifted down into the trenches and had a decided
lachrymatory effect on those with whom it came into contact. It passed
off in a few minutes, and no further bombs of that nature arrived. The
incident was important enough to warrant a report being made to
Divisional Headquarters. As a similar occurrence at Hill 60 was noted
within a few days, some attention was given to anti-gas measures. The
result was the issue of certain instructions and a new respirator (P.H.)
which, made of cloth and provided with goggles, was worn over the head
and gave the wearer the appearance of either a partly equipped diver or
member of the Spanish Inquisition. This article was to be carried on the
person at all times.
The 29th September saw more activity on the part of the enemy, whose
shrapnel fire seemed to increase in accuracy daily. Our own artillery,
through lack of commanding positions for observation purposes, and also
through scarcity of ammunition, was not able to reply effectively. At
times a message would come from Brigade or Division to say that such and
such a battery intended, at a given hour, to fire on such and such a
target. The necessary preparations were made but the infantryman was
inclined to be derisive when, at the appointed hour, the gunners would
loose a few rounds only and then remain silent until the next day.
Occasionally the infantry selected targets for the artillery--such as
enemy working parties, enemy troops on the move, or occupied gun pits.
One afternoon a platoon of the enemy was reported near the road leading
into Anafarta Sagir. The gunners were telephoned, but their longer stay
on the Peninsula had given them a better local knowledge, and they were
able to point out that the target was the tombstones and shadows of a
small cemetery.
[Illustration: MAJOR J. A. CAMPBELL WILSON.
Commander of "A" Company.]
It was the practice of the Brigadier to make a daily tour of the front
line. The Divisional Commander came once or twice a week, and General
Birdwood--sometimes accompanied by Brig.-General C. B. B. White--paid
occasional visits. At times Brig.-General H. G. Chauvel, who commanded
the 1st Light Horse Brigade, acted for the G.O.C., the N.Z. and A
Division. This day Sir Alexander Godley especially inspected the
improvements that had been made to the position and expressed his
approval with the work done. The cutting of new trenches, the deepening
and widening of the old ones, and the repair and adjustment of the
parapets and parados, had entailed much hard work. Here and there, where
it was possible for the enemy to fire into the trench with rifle or
machine gun, overhead traverses had been constructed. These consisted of
filled sandbags supported--for want of timber--on old rifles or tools,
the ends of which rested on the two sides of the excavation. The main
communication trench had also received attention, and it was now
possible to move up the Dere without forsaking-cover.
[Illustration: CAPTAIN J. GETTINGBY.
The Quartermaster.]
As has already been mentioned, the General's visits did not meet the
popular taste. However, on one occasion he created some amusement when
he pointed out, from No. 4 Post, the distant village of Anafarta
Sagir. To an officer, who had once been Lord Mayor of Melbourne, he
said--"That, when the advance is made, will be one of our objectives
and, if the 7th Brigade captures it, you will have the opportunity of
becoming the first Lord Mayor of Anafarta." His idea of duty was
exemplified in his reply to the soldier in charge of a trench mortar
which was situated in a bay adjacent to a communication trench. The
dialogue was as follows:--
General: "What would you do if an enemy bomb landed in this
bay?"
Soldier: (indicating C.T.): "I would get for my life round
that corner."
General: "You would do nothing of the kind! You would stay
here and send two bombs back."
To a young officer, to whom he had pointed out certain things to be
done, and who had replied "I will do my best," he said petulantly "Don't
do your best, do _it_." The majority of the members of his staff were
mortally afraid of him and frequently "let the infantry down," when in
the presence of the General, by suddenly reversing a previously
expressed opinion on some tactical arrangement or in connection with the
works.
The last day of the month was marked during the evening by the arrival
of a fog, which seemed to come over Sari Bair from the Asiatic side. It
poured down into the valleys--for a time quite obscuring the country to
the west and north. The enemy became very restless and shortly opened a
heavy rifle and machine fire somewhere to our right. This, combined with
a fire which suddenly sprang up in front of the Apex, gave occasion for
extra watchfulness, and the reserve companies were ordered to be in
readiness to move. By 9 p.m. the fog had cleared and all was quiet
again. The fire was believed to have originated through a bullet
striking the ammunition in the equipment of one of those who still lay
out in front of the trenches. Sometimes the clothing would catch fire
and then the body, which for nearly two months had been lying out in the
open, would burn for hours. Once an exploding shell blew a corpse right
into the front trench. Then it had to be taken away and buried as
decently as circumstances would permit.
On the 1st October, during the early morning, a member of the N.Z.
Engineers was killed whilst at work on the wire entanglements.
The usual amount of shelling occurred on this and the following two
days. On the third the whole of the N.Z. _personnel_ was withdrawn and
moved off for a rest and refit at Lemnos Island. The Battalion was sorry
to part company with those who had been of such great assistance to them
and with whom many friendships had been formed.
A broomstick bomb during this morning provided an example of the
scriptural warning that "the one shall be taken and the other left."
Many of these bombs landed near the junction of three communication
trenches. A notice had been put up: "Do not loiter here." Despite this
the Pioneer Sergeant and two other men selected the spot for a rest and
were sitting down--the Sergeant between the other two. A bomb was seen
to rise from the opposite trenches. Unfortunately the sentry's warning
was of little avail, the missile descending and exploding just in front
of the reclining trio. From the cloud of black smoke emerged the
Sergeant quite uninjured. His two companions were not so fortunate.
The fourth day of the month was one of alarms. At 9 a.m. "Jacko"--as the
Turk was called--suddenly opened a heavy fire with all weapons. This was
continued for some time and preparations were made to receive an attack.
Nothing eventuated at the time, and after a while normal conditions were
resumed. Late in the day Brigade Headquarters reported a considerable
body of the enemy moving south from Anafarta, and ordered a state of
readiness. The reserves stood by all night, but again the enemy failed
to show himself and the tired troops returned to the bivouacs after
daylight on the 5th.
Companies continued to relieve each other every six or seven days, but
on the 4th October it was decided to relieve the whole Battalion. One
company of the 25th Battalion arrived this day and took over from "B"
Company, which proceeded to the lower portion of the Cheshire Ridge. On
the following day the relief was completed. However, the Machine Gun
Section, a mining party of 26 men, a trench mortar party, and a certain
nucleus for each post, were left in the line to carry on the works and
assist the Queenslanders. A platoon of "C" Company, under Lieut. R. C.
Phillips, was sent to Canterbury Slope, and Major Welch's company was
directed to remain in its old position as brigade reserve.
The 24 days in the crowded narrow limits of the Apex had considerably
reduced the strength of the Battalion. By the end of September, 13 had
been killed, 9 died of wounds, 46 were wounded, and 35 evacuated sick.
The dead had been buried in the little cemeteries which had been
arranged on one side of the Chailak Dere or down near the sea beach. For
these the Battalion Pioneers made neat little wooden crosses which were
placed to mark the head of each grave. The wounded were first attended
to by the stretcher-bearers, who made use of the "first field
dressing"--an antiseptic bandage which every man carried in a special
pocket on the inside of the skirt of his jacket. More than one of the
stretcher-bearers lost his life, or was sorely wounded, when bravely
setting about this duty. The wounded were then taken to the Regimental
Aid Post, where the Medical Officer patched them up temporarily.
Afterwards they were conveyed in stretchers, or walked, to the nearest
forward dressing station of the Army Medical Corps, and thence passed
to a Casualty Clearing Station, where they remained until embarked on a
hospital ship which took them to either Lemnos, Alexandria, or Malta.
As sickness accounted for more than one-third of the casualties in this
short space of time, it may be as well to touch on the factors which
affected the health of the individual. The climate in September, and
early October, was similar to November weather in Western Australia.
Thereafter it became cooler, with occasional falls of rain, up to the
end of the eleventh month. This latter date marked the downward limit of
the thermometer, and the subsequent weather was almost spring-like until
the evacuation. On the whole the climate was not disagreeable to the man
from the Antipodes, and even when he did find it a little too warm for
comfort he met the situation by discarding his jacket and shirt and
moving about with a sleeveless undervest as the sole covering for the
upper part of his body. Occasionally he was seen garbed only in hat,
shorts, and boots.
Another reason for being rid of every unnecessary garment was the
prevalence of vermin. Whence they came nobody knew; but within a few
days of landing on the soil very few men had escaped their attention. No
effective arrangements for dealing with the pest were practicable, and
the scarcity of water, with the consequent difficulty of securing
changes of clothing, made the discomfort all the greater. A fortunate
few argued amongst themselves as to whether the services to the Empire
of a certain insect powder manufacturer had ever been adequately
recognised. The soldier's relative who sent a cutting from the "West
Australian's" agricultural column headed "The Vermin Board. Position of
the Squatters" showed both an appreciation of the condition of the
soldiery and the phase of strategy which the campaign had reached. And
here may be retold the story of the exasperated man who interrupted a
conversation by exclaiming, "The Kaiser! I wish he had _two_ withered
hands and my shirt!"
But the worst enemy was the fly. This fattened and multiplied on the
filth which marked the ground the Turk had occupied, and on the unburied
victims of the battle who tainted to nausea the atmosphere breathed by
the garrisons in the elevated positions. Whatever precautions against
them it was possible to take were adopted, but the scarcity of sheet
iron and timber, and the restricted space, rendered these of little
avail. The water supply was not materially affected, as most of this was
Nile water, properly filtered, and brought to the shore in tank barges
by the Navy. But the flies, in such numbers and with such enterprise as
had never before been witnessed by the most travelled bushman, could
not be kept out of the food. Diarrhoea and dysentery quickly affected
the Australians. Little effective relief was at hand. Castor-oil
alleviated it temporarily, and this was consumed in such quantities
that, one war correspondent has said, it threatened to become the
Australians' national drink! Typhoid, and what was described as
paratyphoid, fevers followed these maladies. Later came jaundice in
epidemic form. In addition, rheumatism, pneumonia, and heavy colds, made
their levy.
[Illustration: SERGEANT C. R. FIELD.
The First N.C.O. to gain a Commission in the Field. Afterwards Captain
and Adjutant of 2nd Machine Gun Battalion. Twice mentioned in Despatches.]
So great were the losses from these causes, that in August the Anzac
Corps was evacuating 500 men a day. Early in October the IX. Corps'
return showed over 700 for one day. Also, about this latter date, in
spite of the presence of comparatively fresh troops, the N.Z. and A
Division was being reduced at the rate of 60 per diem--not more than 15
per cent. of which were battle casualties.
[Illustration: REGIMENTAL QUARTERMASTER-SERGEANT R. G. SEXTY.
Afterwards Captain and Transport Officer. Mentioned in Despatches.]
Nor were the troops in a condition to successfully cope with the inroads
of disease. "Worn out with hardship and incessant shell fire, from which
even when in reserve, they were never free,"[N] ill-sustained by a
monotonous diet of food--in part of doubtful quality, and always short
of sleep and of supplies of water necessary to rest the body and keep it
clean; their vitality and powers of resistance to disease were
considerably reduced, and they fell an easy prey to the virulent and
prolific germs.
The army ration consisted of meat, bread, vegetables, and groceries.
Meat included tinned and fresh meat and bacon. Bread included ordinary
bread, biscuits, and flour. The groceries were tea, sugar, jam (or
cheese), pepper and salt, with such alternatives and additions as tinned
milk, rice, prunes, curry powder, and raisins--which last were rarely
available. The 28th's experience was that, when supplies were available
and the weather permitted of them being landed, Argentine chilled beef
and baker's bread left little room for complaint. However, the two
factors mentioned did not always coincide and the Battalion, for days on
end, had to be content with substitutes. The tinned meat ("dog" or
"bully beef") was also from Argentine, and had already been dealt with
for "extract" besides being extremely salt in flavour. The only way to
make it palatable was to fry it up with bacon fat and chopped onions, or
boil it again and add rice and curry powder when procurable. Nevinson[O]
says that when the Anzac men threw over tins of meat to the Turks in
exchange for packets of cigarettes it was a cheap gift, and the enemy
returned the messages, "Bully beef non, envoyez milk." Now and again one
came across a treasure in the form of a stray tin of a Canadian brand,
or of "Maconochie" (a very substantial and nourishing stew), but looked
in vain for the well-known Australian and New Zealand products.
The bacon, mostly very fat, was known as "lance-corporal bacon," _i.e._,
with only one thin streak of lean running through it. This was issued
_ad nauseam_. One man expressed his feelings when he said that he would
never be able to look a pig in the face again.
There are no biscuits like the army issue. To those whose dentition was
not perfect the masticating of them was tedious and painful. Some men
made graters out of biscuit tin lids and grated the article to a powder,
afterwards making a kind of porridge with it. Others discarded them as
food and carved them into frames for photographs, or cigarette pictures,
or contrived other mementos of a disagreeable period. Fresh vegetables
were rarely seen. Now and again an enterprising individual would return
from the beach with a cabbage, or a few potatoes, which he had purchased
from one of the Navy or looted from some unsuspecting person who had
them in charge. So far as can be remembered, not one single issue of
potatoes was made to the Battalion during the whole of its stay on the
Peninsula. Onions, however, were plentiful and of first-rate quality.
Other substitutes were preserved or desiccated vegetables, which were
found quite unpalatable and quickly refused by the Quartermaster.
Of the groceries, the issues of tea and sugar were insufficient for the
occasion. The Australian tea-drinking habit (amongst others) had not
then spread through the army. The Canadian cheese was excellent, but
the jam lacked in all three essentials--quantity, quality, and variety.
Bairnsfather has placed on record the soldier's feeling in this regard.
Certain other articles of importance were issued weekly. These included
lime juice, rum, and tobacco. Rum was a new experience to many, but its
value as a stimulant for tired troops was soon appreciated--even by the
teetotallers. The virtues of rum and condensed milk were extolled. The
precious liquid was contained in earthenware jars bearing on the outside
the letters "S.R.D." The popular interpretation of this legend was
"Seldom Reaches Destination," from the belief that, small as the
authorised issue was, it was either reduced in quantity, withheld, or
weakened with water by those through whose hands it passed between the
supply depôt and the people for whom it was intended. Instances were not
lacking which gave foundation for this belief, and an incident is well
remembered in which a member of one formation regaled himself for two
nights on his company's share and finished up the carouse by giving the
"alarm." He left for Australia shortly afterwards. The Battalion made
the acquaintance of tobacco and cigarettes of many brands and as many
qualities. In some cases the name on the package was the only indication
of its supposed contents. Some of the issues were at the cost of the
Government and others as a result of gifts by soldiers' aid societies in
Australia and England.
It has already been said that water was scarce. A few wells existed, but
were quite unequal to the demands made upon them. It was therefore
necessary to carry the water for some distance. Two-gallon petrol tins
were used for this purpose by special fatigue parties. Larger quantities
were carried in "fantassies"--10-gallon tanks borne in pairs on
mules--and delivered to the Quartermaster, who was responsible for the
distribution of all supplies and stores. Not always was it possible to
secure sufficient for ablution purposes, and at one time--during
November--the issue was restricted to quarter gallon per diem per man
for all purposes. At the Apex, whilst water was scarce, small parties
from the reserve companies were taken in turn to the beach and allowed
to bathe. A certain amount of risk was attached to this proceeding, as
the enemy shelled the locality whenever a target offered. Fortunately
the parties escaped without casualty.
The cooking of food was first carried on by individuals. The mess tin
could be used as either saucepan or kettle, and its lid as a frying pan
or drinking vessel. With the aid of the entrenching implement, which
each man carried, a little excavation would be made in some convenient
place and a fire built of any available fuel. As a support for the tin
when laid on the embers any number of stones was available. On some of
these heat had a peculiar effect, and the unwary one was sometimes
startled by a loud report and the sight of his meal being hoist in the
air. Usually two or more men combined in the cooking process, but the
preparation of food by the individual was found to be wasteful and
injurious to health in that it attracted many flies and lacked
thoroughness. The company system was therefore reverted to, and the
dixies brought into use in kitchens constructed outside the trenches.
The dixies were then taken forward and the meal served out in equal
shares according to the numbers to be provided for. The change at first
was not popular, but its beneficial effects became apparent later, and
the system was not again departed from except for very brief periods
when extraordinary conditions existed.
Fuel was by no means plentiful, and anything at all that would burn was
carefully collected. Under cover of darkness individuals would forage on
the exposed slopes and return with arms full of twigs and brushwood. In
the back areas fatigue parties were at work daily collecting firewood
which was brought to a depôt for issue to units. These parties worked
under brigade orders and a number of 28th men were, on one occasion,
sent up an exposed slope accompanied by a white donkey. The animal, so
easily distinguishable against the background of dark verdure, soon
attracted the enemy's artillery fire and some casualties resulted. The
Regimental Medical Officer and two or three stretcher-bearers very
gallantly ascended the hill and attended the wounded despite the
continuance of the Turkish shrapnel.
Supply and transport on the Peninsula was no easy problem. Supplies in
bulk were landed on the beach from barges when the weather permitted.
There, near the two piers, a reserve of at least seven days was stored
and supply staffs lived between walls constructed of boxes of biscuit
and tinned meat. These walls were lined with sides of bacon resting on a
plinth of filled rum jars and certain medical comforts intended for the
sick or wounded. In the neighbourhood huge piles of all manner of
articles abounded, and sandwiched in between them one would occasionally
discover a howitzer, which would come into action intermittently. From
these depôts the Army Service Corps attached to Divisions drew what was
required or available and transported it to their own areas. There it
was again divided up, according to the actual number of men present with
each battalion, and the Quartermasters took delivery.
The means of transport consisted of carts, mules, and donkeys. Few
horses were kept at Anzac. The only ones the 28th saw belonged to the
6-inch howitzer battery, and were stabled up on a hillside the face of
which had been cut away so as to afford safe cover. One other horse seen
was used by a despatch rider who almost daily went somewhere towards the
left of our line and as frequently was the target for snipers. The carts
were two-wheeled, with mule draught, and could only be used at night,
when they conveyed supplies to the 54th Division which lay at the
northern end of the Anzac Corps areas. These carts had made a well
defined track, and their passage was easily marked by the creaking and
groaning sounds they gave forth. Yet they were seldom, if ever, shelled
by the enemy. They were driven by Maltese or natives of India who,
during the daylight hours, camped in some of the crevices in the cliffs
near the shore. As carts could not ascend the ravines, mules were used
for carriage to the forward positions. They were sure-footed and capable
of carrying a substantial load. Shell-fire had not much effect on them,
but occasionally they became fitful and, despite the lurid exhortations
of their drivers, would discard their loads at most inconvenient places.
They were awkward creatures to meet in a sap. One might attempt to pass
them on the side where there appeared to be the more room, only to find
that, when nearly through, the mule would lurch over and pin you to the
wall of the trench with the corner of an ammunition box or water tank.
Each battalion had the use of a certain number of small-sized donkeys. A
few men had to be detailed to look after these and drive them--being
responsible to the Quartermaster, who was known, sometimes, as "the O.C.
Dunks." The donkeys carried loads suitable to their strength and were
found to be most useful animals in the areas near the front line.
Sometimes they got shot. A story is told of one of the 28th drivers who
was rather attached to his pair of animals. One day in the Dere a shell
killed one of his donkeys and the concussion from the explosion knocked
the other one over. With a little persuasion he got up again, but the
driver, in explaining the loss, said that he had had one beast killed
and that the other had _fainted_.
FOOTNOTES:
[N] Gallipoli Diary.
[O] H. W. Nevinson. The Dardanelles Campaign.
CHAPTER VIII.
GALLIPOLI (continued).
Lower Cheshire Ridge, the Battalion's new position, was in part a
razor-edged feature which faced the steep north-west slope of Sari Bair.
In between the two, and diagonally across the front, ran the Aghyl Dere
which passed through the trench line at the 28th's northern boundary.
Here a high breastwork had been constructed which carried a firestep and
at the same time allowed room for the passage of water underneath. This
breastwork, and the line for some distance beyond, was manned
alternately by the 5th Norfolks and 10th Londons, both of whom belonged
to the 162nd Brigade, 54th Division, and were Kitchener Army men. Both
battalions were much reduced in strength and contained many men whom
disease had rendered really unfit for work other than that of the
lightest nature. However, they hung on with the Tommy's well known
stoicism.
The 28th line was very varied. Commencing from the left of the 27th
Battalion, it ran through a hilltop to a place where an L-shaped cutting
had to be made to secure any footing at all. Thence about a dozen steps,
cut in a face, took one to a lower level which ran along towards the
Dere and terminated in a series of firing bays opening out from tunnels
which had been excavated by the 4th Brigade and further improved by the
25th Battalion. Portions of three companies were detailed to hold the
line, "B" Company being on the right and "A" Company functioning with
the British. Immediately behind the line was a deep hollow which
sheltered the supports and provided space for the kitchens and
headquarters of the Battalion. Little Table Top and Rose Hill formed the
western side of this hollow, and across their summits had been
constructed a reserve line with machine guns in position.
The nearest enemy trenches were some 600 yards distant. The intervening
space was mostly covered with scrub, but in the breaks and on the bare
patches could be seen the bodies of many of those who had taken part in
the ill-fated attempt of Baldwin's Brigade to storm Chunuk Bair on the
10th August. Boxes, tins of biscuits, coils of wire, and various
portions of equipment were scattered broadcast about the valley.
[Illustration: THE FRONT LINE ON CHESHIRE RIDGE.
_Map by Australian War Museum._]
Life at Lower Cheshire Ridge was peaceful as compared with that at the
Apex. A daily dose of shrapnel was sent along from the direction of
Abdel Rahman Bair, to the north-east, but this seldom did any harm. On
the evening of the 7th October a machine gun fire demonstration was made
by our divisions on either flank without any apparent effect. At 7 p.m.
on the following day the wind rose and was soon followed by drenching
rain which lasted most of the night. About an hour after it commenced
the Turks opened a heavy rifle and machine gun fire against the Light
Horse Brigade and Walker's Ridge. This continued for some time but there
was no further development. Owing to the weather the Battalion spent a
very miserable night.
About this period, a method of recording time that was novel to most of
the Australians was brought into vogue by the adoption of the French
system. This at first led to some little confusion, but was considered
essential in order to ensure proper co-ordination in the efforts of the
Allies. Later on, it came naturally to all. The difficulty of easily
recognising the figures "0015" as representing 12.15 a.m., "1430" as
2.30 p.m., and "2245" as 10.45 p.m., may be quite understood.
Apart from holding this part of the line, the officers and men were
principally engaged, during their stay here, in improving the
accommodation for the supports and providing for their protection in the
winter. A detachment of New Zealand Engineers was attached to the
Battalion to advise. However, little progress could be made owing to the
scarcity of timber and iron and the nature of the soil, which, in this
quarter, was composed of the scourings of the hills and had no
stability. Difficulty was also encountered with the plans of the
Commanding Royal Engineer of the Division, which were frequently
changed, in order to conform to the varying moods of the Divisional
Commander. In consequence, much labour was expended, but little real
progress made for some time. Defensive works included the deepening of
the front line trench, which was carried down to a depth of ten feet--in
some places--without any material increase in width. This was the policy
of the day and was based on securing immunity from shrapnel fire. Had
the enemy used heavy shells, with delayed action fuses, these same
trenches would have proved veritable death traps for their garrisons.
Near the junction of "C" and "A" Companies' sectors, two tunnels were
driven in the direction of the enemy's lines. From the heads of these,
it was intended to construct a lateral underground trench, which would
join up with the forward works of the neighbouring battalion on the
left. The trench was to be completed almost entirely underground, and
then finally the crust of earth would be broken through in one night and
the enemy at dawn would discover a finished work having a command of
the whole of that portion of the Dere as well as the ravine running down
from the north. The Battalion did not stay in this sector long enough to
witness the completion of its labours and the work was afterwards
carried on by the 4th Brigade.
The scarcity, which has been referred to, of timber and iron was
exemplified in another manner when a change in garrisons took place.
Units marching in and out of a position would take their precious bits
of wood and sheet iron with them and their transport was personally
supervised by an officer. This, in the case of a company or battalion
being relieved, sometimes led to the partial dismantlement of works. As
a result stringent orders on the subject were issued. These were not
always regarded as they should have been. Once, during the gales, a
barge laden with timber was wrecked, and her load distributed along the
beach, at the foot of Chailak Dere. Within a few hours--whilst the
Engineers were thinking of organising salvage parties--the whole of the
spoils had disappeared into the valleys and up the slopes of the Light
Horse and Infantry positions.
The prominence given to sniping has been referred to earlier. To counter
the Turks' efforts in this direction, the Brigadier organised a body of
men composed of expert rifle shots, chosen from each battalion. This was
placed under the command of Captain H. B. Menz, of the 28th Battalion,
who had Lieut. W. P. Devonshire, 27th Battalion, to assist him. These
snipers were equipped with powerful telescopes and were disposed in
carefully chosen positions in the line--or beyond or behind it. Their
usefulness, aided as they were by other men from the companies, was soon
demonstrated. In a few days not a Turk dare expose himself within 600 or
700 yards distance of our lines, and scarcely ever was a hostile rifle
loosed during daylight hours. After dark, Jacko would take courage and
pot in the direction of our trenches. The snipers were also of use to
the English, who were being harassed on the other side of the Dere. The
tactful offer of the loan of two or three Australians in a few days
removed the cause of their trouble. The Turks occasionally resorted to
ruses, but these were quickly negatived by the Australians, who showed
themselves no mean masters of craft. Nearly across to the opposite side
of the valley were revealed, by the telescope, the shoulders and black
face of a dummy sharpshooter located behind a bush. Some distance up the
valley, to the north, a piece of iron piping protruded from cover in
imitation of a gun. Dummy loopholes abounded. On the slope of Chunuk
Bair, a communication trench wound down. At a certain hour of the
afternoon a man coming down this trench would, at one turn under
observation, be preceded by his shadow. Our snipers watched for this
shadow and made deadly practice at the substance. After a few days, the
enemy ceased to move in that quarter whilst light lasted.
Captain Menz was also supplied with a Hotchkiss quick-firing gun which
discharged a 3 lb. solid shot. This was placed in a carefully chosen
nook in one of the hollows and camouflaged with green bushes. In the
charge of Corporal C. T. Ballingall, an ex-citizen force gunner, this
weapon was a powerful and effective means of knocking out sniper posts
whenever they were located.
[Illustration: THE CHAILAK DERE.
Looking towards the sea from Table Top. The razor-back leads to Old
No. 3 Post.
_Official photo. No. G. 1829. Copyright by Australian War Museum._]
A system of patrolling the bed of the ravine, and of the lower slopes
beyond, was carried out. Platoon commanders usually took charge of small
parties of men which debouched from "A" or "C" Companies' lines and
cautiously explored No-Man's Land. Competition in this work became keen
at times. One young officer--small of stature--claimed to have pinned a
white handkerchief on a tree close to the enemy's wire. Another
officer--the reverse in figure--averred that he got through the wire and
dropped his cigarette butt right on top of a sleeping enemy sentry.
Daylight revealed the white patch on the tree, but nobody seemed anxious
to investigate too closely the tale of the cigarette.
[Illustration: VIEW OF THE AGHYL DERE.
Looking North-West. Cheshire Ridge position on the left. In the
foreground are reminders of the August fighting.
_Official Photo. No. G. 2002. Copyright by Australian War Museum._]
About this time occurred one of the Mohammedan festivals. High authority
considered that this fact might engender an offensive spirit in the
opposing force. Patrols, therefore, were instructed to be especially
vigilant. Nothing important was discovered. One patrol did report that
it had heard some musical instrument being played in the enemy's area,
the sound of voices, and the barking of a dog. The officer who compiled
the daily intelligence report wrote: "sounds of jollification were heard
issuing from the enemy trenches." This phrase seemed to tickle the
official ear, and was repeated by all reporters, and appeared finally in
Sir Ian Hamilton's summary.
Patrols also performed a good deal of salvage work and brought in a
considerable quantity of material from between the opposing lines.
Several identity discs were likewise collected and forwarded on for the
information of the records section of the Army.
On the evening of the 11th October a welcome addition was made to the
strength of the Battalion by the arrival of portion of the 2nd and 3rd
Reinforcements under Captain E. A. Coleman and Lieut. A. M. Hope. These
were distributed the following day amongst the four companies, and
Captain Coleman took over command of "B" Company. As was the case with
the later drafts, these newcomers proved themselves to be excellent
fellows.
The death of Lieut. F. E. Jensen had created a vacancy in the
commissioned ranks which was filled by the promotion of Sergeant C. R.
Field--a trainee under the Australian Universal Military Service scheme.
Casualties amongst the non-commissioned officers were replaced by the
appointment and promotion of men who showed themselves possessed of the
necessary qualifications. In a few instances promotion was declined by
the individual. Various reasons were given for this step. Some
individuals lacked ambition, others were reluctant to accept
responsibility, and again others preferred to retain the close company
of the friends of their section--promotion resulting in a mild form of
aloofness and isolation, a condition which the exercise of authority
rendered almost inevitable.
About this time the first Battalion Bombing Squad was formed. This was a
result of some lessons from the campaign on the Western Front, where
experienced bomb-throwers, properly organised, had proved of great value
in offensive and defensive operations. This squad was placed under
Lieut. N. W. Sundercombe and was trained in some old Turkish trenches at
the lower end of the Chailak Dere. The members showed such proficiency
in their work that in the course of a few days only they were called
upon to give a demonstration in method before the other squads of the
Division. The members of the squad were Sergt. A. Brown, Corporals A.
Gibbons and I. E. Dunkley, Privates J. Connor, S. J. Price, G. B. Brown,
F. Congdon, W. G. Green, F. E. Dawkins, H. Thetford, F. Parker, H.
Denton, F. Ball, A. Kelly, H. G. Haynes, D. McDonald, and D. W.
Cunningham. Several of these bombers earned considerable distinction in
the later campaigns in Belgium and France.
The 15th October marked a change in the command of the 7th Brigade.
Colonel Burston's health had for some time past been far from robust,
nevertheless he had stuck to his post with determination until
ultimately compelled to give in. He was sent to a hospital on Lemnos
Island, and Lieut-Colonel (Hon. Colonel) J. Paton, V.D., the C.O. of the
25th Battalion, was directed to assume command. Colonel Paton had been
an infantry brigadier in New South Wales, and had also taken a
prominent part in the naval and military expedition to occupy German New
Guinea. Sickness brought other changes in the brigade staff. Captain G.
B. Rowan-Hamilton was appointed Brigade-Major. He had been adjutant of
the 1st Black Watch and shared in the opening campaign in France and
Belgium. A new Staff Captain was found in Lieut. S. S. Bond, 25th
Battalion, who performed the duties until succeeded by Captain W. F. N.
Bridges--a son of the original commander of the 1st Australian Division.
About the middle of the month the Battalion received its first supply of
canteen stores. A small party had been sent to Imbros to buy "luxuries"
and had returned with neither the quantity nor quality they sought.
Nevertheless, their arrival in the Battalion area was signalised by the
formation of a queue as for an early door at a theatre. Sweets, cake,
and notepaper were in greatest demand, and after these, in popularity,
came soap and handkerchiefs.
Sir Ian Hamilton had been striving for months to institute this system
of canteens. He desired that the troops in the Eastern Mediterranean
should be placed on the same footing as those in France. General
Birdwood had written to him conveying the medical opinion that the
sameness of the food was making the men sick. The rations were A1, but
the men loathed the look of them after having had nothing else for
months. "If we could only get this wretched canteen ship along, and if,
when she comes she contains anything like condiments to let them buy
freely from her, I believe it would make all the difference in the
world. But the fact remains that at present we cannot count on anything
like a big effort from the men who have been here all these months."[P]
The first canteen ship did eventually arrive about the end of August,
and then brought only £10,000 worth--amongst over 100,000 troops! The
Commander-in-Chief sent it to Anzac. Later arrivals brought very little
more and, finally, early in December, the supplies petered out
altogether. Parties sent to Imbros foraged over the island, but soon
exhausted even that source, which produced only fruit, eggs, Turkish
delight, candles, and canned goods.
To pay for these extras the Australians had ample resources.
Periodically the field cashier appeared on the Peninsula with English
silver and notes. The adjutant drew from him, and company commanders
paid their men in accordance with their requirements--within the credit
which the Pay Book (always carried on the person) disclosed they
possessed. The British Treasury note for 10s. became known as a
"Bradbury"--a name derived from a signature thereon. Those issued to
the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at the time were endorsed in
Turkish so that they might have currency in Constantinople when the
Straits were forced.
The 16th October witnessed the return to the Battalion of the Machine
Gun Section from the Apex. It was arranged that at 4 a.m. this day an
attempt should be made to compel the enemy to disclose his gun and
machine gun positions. At that hour a rocket went up from Russell's Top.
Immediately our guns, and the machine guns to either flank of the 28th,
opened fire. The Battalion had been ordered to man the trenches, show
their fixed bayonets over the parapets, and cheer lustily. All these
things were done and the effect added to by throwing clods of earth down
amongst the bushes in the Dere to give the impression of the noise of
troops advancing. All came to nought. The Turk uttered not a sound, and
after the firing ceased the West Australians, appreciating some humour
in the situation, went about their day's work with broad smiles on their
faces.
Aeroplanes occasionally made their appearance above the contending
armies. To the man in the trench it seemed that some arrangement existed
whereby our aviators should not use the same days in the week as the
Turk. Never were the two seen in the air at the one time and the
infantry, who were spoiling to witness an aerial combat, were greatly
disappointed. An appearance was usually the signal for a little practice
by the anti-aircraft guns, one of which was located in the 1st
Division's sector. The enemy gunners had better luck than ours, for
twice during the Battalion's stay they succeeded in winging our men--one
of whom made a forced landing on Suvla Lake and the other in the sea,
not far from the shore, about half a mile further south. Here they
provided a target for the field guns and, in the former instance, the
machine, viewed from the Apex, soon resembled a fly whose wings had been
burned off. Whilst at Cheshire Ridge the 28th observed a hostile aviator
traverse the line from right to left, flying at an altitude of a few
hundred feet only. The pilot leaned over the side of the car as he
passed over the West Australians and waved his hand to them. The rifle
fire directed at him apparently did no harm and in a few seconds he
disappeared in the direction of Suvla.
Between the 17th and 20th of the month the Battalion suffered four
casualties (wounds) from shrapnel. On the evening of the 25th the Turks
landed in the Chailak Dere several heavy high explosive shells. At 11
a.m. on the 27th they opened a brisk fire all along the brigade sector
and up towards Suvla. The beach behind was also shelled by the big guns.
The "stand to" was ordered but, as usual, firing died down without
further development. The rest of the brigade had a number killed and
wounded but the 28th escaped unscathed. For the remainder of the month
the enemy was comparatively quiet.
Lieut. J. F. Quilty arrived from Egypt on the 24th and brought seven men
as a reinforcement.
[Illustration: "A" COMPANY.
Getting ready to move from the Reserve position at Cheshire Ridge.
_Photo. lent by Mr. T. Pritchard._]
Sickness increased during the month and seriously affected the officers.
The Adjutant (Captain Lamb), Captains Montgomery and Stroud, Lieutenants
Davey, Hargraves, and Carter were taken to the hospital. Captain Menz
also became alarmingly ill and had to be carried away on a stretcher. On
the way down the Dere a shell came along and killed one of his bearers
and wounded the other. He escaped with a bad fall and the loss of the
heel of his boot. A few days later Major J. A. C. Wilson left the
Battalion. He had been obviously suffering from jaundice for some time
but had clung to his command until he had to be ordered to hospital. As
"A" Company had lost both its O.C. and 2nd-in-Command, Lieut. N. F.
Macrae from "D" Company was appointed temporarily to command. Lieut. H.
E. C. Ruddock was selected to carry on as adjutant until the return of
Captain Lamb. Reg. Sergt.-Major P. T. C. Bell was promoted to
commissioned rank.
The weather changed on the 22nd October and turned as cold as the
coldest days in Western Australia, involving bleak conditions in the
trenches at night. On the 27th there was a very unpleasant wind and dust
storm which lasted for hours.
[Illustration: THE Q.M's. STORE OF "A" COMPANY
at Cheshire Ridge.
_Photo. lent by Mr. T. Pritchard._]
The Battalion having been in the firing line for about seven weeks, the
Brigadier ordered the 26th Battalion, which had not yet been in the
trenches, to relieve it. On the 30th October "A" Company of the
Queenslanders and Tasmanians took over from "B" Company of the 28th. On
the following day, however, the return to the Peninsula of the 4th
Brigade being imminent, the order was cancelled. Nevertheless, on the
1st November, "C" Company proceeded to join "B" Company at Taylor's
Hollow (in Bauchop's Hill, just north of Waterfall Gully). "D" Company
followed on the next day and, on the 3rd, Lieut.-Colonel J. M. A.
Durrant, with the 13th Battalion, took over the sector. The Machine Gun
Section was again temporarily detached from the Battalion and joined the
8th Light Horse near Sazli Belt Dere. Whilst there they had a duel with
a Turkish gun and came out victorious--finally calling upon our field
artillery to blow up the enemy's emplacement. This was done very
effectually.
During the month of October the Battalion had suffered a loss of five
killed, four died of wounds, 27 wounded, and 137 sick.
Located at Taylor's Hollow the Battalion now became the divisional
reserve. The 26th Battalion had proceeded to rejoin the 2nd Australian
Division and was followed on the 10th November by the 25th and 27th
Battalions. Nominally the Battalion was withdrawn for a rest, but
actually the divisional reserve's main function was to supply parties
for all manner of work behind the front line.
For the sake of convenience these parties were placed near Hell Spit, in
Reserve Gully, and other features which afforded the necessary cover.
They worked under their own officers, who received their instructions
from the Beach Commandant, from the Commanding Royal Engineer of one of
the divisions, or from a member of the Corps Staff.
One party was engaged in building a series of terraces to receive the
marquees of a Casualty Clearing Station. This necessitated the free use
of explosives and the removal of many tons of earth. The work was
carried out in such an efficient manner as to excite the surprise and
admiration of the Royal Engineers. To finish it off an elaborate
retaining wall was built with material from the shore. This wall
contained a large corner stone upon which was placed the inscription "A
Coy. 28 Bn. didit."
Some platoons were employed on the engineer, ordnance, and supply dumps.
Others assisted in unloading lighters at the piers and transferring
loads from storeships into lighters. Generally the work was without
incident except for occasional casualties from "Beachy Bill," which from
the Olive Grove sprayed the beach with its shrapnel. The great storm of
November 27th was, however, productive of some experiences of interest
and not without danger. Several of the ships upon which the men were
working had to make for shelter--refuge being taken at Suvla, Imbros,
and even as far away as Lemnos. To this latter place went Lieut. T. O.
Nicholls and his team, who found themselves on a craft that dragged her
anchors and was short of water and stores. Fourteen days elapsed before
they were able to return to Anzac. Those who suffered from sea-sickness
certainly did not enjoy these involuntary trips.
At 5 p.m. on the day of the storm, all hands and the cook were summoned
to Anzac Cove for salvage work. On arrival it was found that the piers
had been washed away. Big baulks of timber were being thrown about by
the sea, in a most disconcerting manner, amongst all sorts of stores.
The first duty assigned the party by the Beach Commandant was to restore
some semblance of order amongst the members of a certain Labour Corps
who had run wild. This was achieved in an expeditious though somewhat
violent manner. The next duty was salvaging amongst the flotsam and
jetsam which, with the timber charging about and the water at a very low
temperature, was a decidedly unpleasant task. Night put a stop to the
operations, and the Beach Commandant congratulated the party on the work
done. This officer was no lover of the "Aussies," owing--so rumour had
it--to some of them "pinching" his fattening fowls, but on this occasion
he contributed, voluntarily, a double issue of rum--an act which was
undoubtedly popular and timely.
Speech, accent, and manner counted for a good deal when working in
conjunction with British troops. An incident which illustrates this
occurred in connection with a fatigue party which was required by the
British Army Service Corps for night work on the beach. This party was
commanded by an officer who possessed neither size in stature or feature
in voice. His second-in-command was a corporal with very marked
characteristics. With the N.C.O. in rear the two set out for the A.S.C.
dugout, at the entrance to which the officer announced his arrival. The
A.S.C. officer emerged into the night and asked the question "Where have
you got your men?" The corporal gave the answer in his deepest
stentorian tones and with faultless accent, "They are anchored just
abaft the stack of Fray Bentos." The "Tommy" officer immediately came
over towards him and remarked, "Oh! I'm sorry, Old Chappie, I didn't
know there was an officer here, I thought this little N.C.O. was in
charge of the party." The corporal wasn't quite clear as to what
followed, but had a distinct recollection of receiving an order in good
Australian, "Corporal! Go back and bring the men along to the cheese
stack, _at once_!"
From the Beach, where men of all units met, came the daily crop of
"furphies" or rumours. Some of these, it was suspected, were set going
by the Intelligence Section of the General Staff, but many of them were
the deliberate creation of a few people with a rather perverted sense of
humour. Others developed from the chance remark of some individual
speculating on what might be, or what he hoped would be. The "Anzac
Liar," as the unknown person was designated, dealt with many subjects,
from an advance to a retirement, from the landing of a Greek or Italian
Army Corps on the north to the forcing of the Straits by the Navy. This
last, it was said, was to be achieved by the 2nd November, and the
sailors were prepared to make handsome bets on it. With experience the
ordinary soldier came to regard this news as a topic for conversation
only, remaining incredulous and accepting actual facts with the best
grace possible in view of his rapidly developing fatalistic spirit.
The Beach was also the hunting ground of those who sought to improve
their lot. One night a well-known Signaller, a noted hunter with an
eagle eye, observed a case of rum--for the moment unattended. The
situation obviously required action and P----possessed the necessary
initiative. Five seconds later he was being pursued down the Beach.
After successfully losing his pursuers he humped the case to Russell's
Top and opened it before a crowd of thirsty and expectant Signallers--to
find that it was lime juice. In the opinion of the Section this incident
was the one black spot in P----'s long career of usefulness.
Authentic news from the outside world came from two or three different
sources. General Headquarters at Imbros issued a weekly sheet, entitled
the "Peninsula Press," which published notes on the doings on other
fronts and gave alarming accounts of the winter conditions on Gallipoli.
The Navy had, apparently, their own sources of information, for
signallers would often gather items of interest by watching the flashing
of the helios by day or the blinking of the signal lamps by night. Then
there were the mails. In this, as well as in many other respects, the
army treated the soldiers well. Mails came at irregular intervals, but
never more than three weeks elapsed without bringing the ever-welcome
letter and newspaper from Australia. The 28th mail comprised a large
portion of that for the whole brigade. Some of the members would receive
as many as 13 or 14 letters each.
Parcels also came to hand. These contained a great diversity of
articles, ranging from woollen goods to chewing gum and safety pins.
The Battalion Postal Orderly, Private J. H. Mann, was most conscientious
and energetic in his work. He usually installed himself in some dugout
away from the company lines and where he had room to cope with his
thousands of packets. When the Battalion moved, new quarters were
necessary, and Mann was sometimes seen, bared to the waist, working hard
with pick and shovel in the excavation of a new post office. Sometimes
ill fortune befell the mails. Twice during the November storms lighters
containing hundreds of bags were swamped and sunk. One of these was
carrying the outward Christmas mail and disappeared within sight of the
beach.
As a rule letters for Australia were despatched once weekly and, in
spite of the local distractions, many found ample opportunities for
writing home. A few wrote with an eye to the publication of their
letters in their town Press. When these newspapers were subsequently
received by the Battalion, the scribes came in for a good deal of chaff.
Private E. St. I. Bilston of "C" Company made little essays into
verse--some of the results appearing in the Perth and Kalgoorlie Sunday
papers. At times writing paper was very scarce, and the New Zealand
Divisional Sanitary Officer complained that he was unable to continue
certain necessary issues because the supplies were disappearing into the
mail bags. In November, a case of stationery was received by the
Battalion. This was the result of the kind and thoughtful action of Mrs.
Lohoar of Fremantle, who had arranged a "Stationery Tea" amongst her
friends.
The attention of the men in the firing line was by no means always
centred on the imminence of danger. Except during actual bombardments,
or when on sentry, they had some leisure, which was filled by diversions
of various kinds. Sleep--when possible, letter writing, and card
playing, passed many hours pleasantly away. Those in the reserve areas
found other amusements, in which figured largely the games of "Banker"
and "Two-up," upon which had been placed an official taboo. In the
hollows and gullies groups of men were often noticed, and the observer
would see the faces momentarily turned towards the sky and then towards
the earth again--actions denoting interested eyes following the flight
of the spinning coins. Some men brought considerable sums of money to
their officers for safe custody. A good deal of this the owners
subsequently remitted to their homes.
Again, others found an interest in watching the flocks of wild geese
that passed over during the autumn migrations. The appearance of these
birds whetted the appetites of the "dog-fed" soldiers, but no rifle
bullet seemed to be able to find them. During the first week in December
starlings passed over in flocks of thousands--flying low and following
the line of hill and vale, whilst emitting a curious sound from the
movement of so many wings. In the Deres would be seen an occasional
blackbird and thrush, which were later on joined by the robin. On one
occasion a visitor from the Balkans--an eagle with a very large spread
of wings--hovered over Cheshire Ridge and, by a few, was thought to be
an aeroplane flying at great altitude.
Nor was the sea unpleasant to the eye. The wonderful blue of the
Mediterranean, the storms, and the sunsets and clouds behind and above
the sharp peaks of the island of Samothrace--some 40 miles away--made
believers of those who had seen copies or prints of Turner's pictures.
Farther south, and 12 or 15 miles distant, lay the less mountainous
island of Imbros, where Sir Ian Hamilton had his headquarters. Kephalos
Bay was on the east side, and there, on a clear day, could be discerned
the anchored shipping.
[Illustration: LEMNOS, IMBROS, AND SAMOTHRACE.
_Lent by Mr. C. E. W. Bean._]
Nearer at hand trawlers were engaged in mine sweeping. Others were lying
at anchor, just beyond the range of the Turkish guns, waiting for
darkness in order to discharge or take in cargo. Occasionally these
craft came in too close and afforded a target for enemy "whizz-bangs" or
salvos of "4.2's." These latter made a whining progress through the air
and landed in the sea, throwing up fountains of water as they burst.
Seldom did the Turk score a hit, and only once during the Battalion's
stay was a shell noticed to reach its intended destination.
Other vessels could be seen. An occasional destroyer proceeded at full
speed on some errand or in search of a hostile submarine whose presence
had been rumoured. Once a huge battle cruiser approached Suvla with a
watching destroyer keeping station on each bow and quarter. Low-lying
monitors, standing a long way off shore, with their one or two guns
trained at high angles, made practice at some inland target near Achi
Baba or at the northern end of the Peninsula. One of these, the
"Peninsula Press" reported, secured four direct hits on the flour mills
at Galata at a range of 19,400 yards.
Close at hand was the ever-present "Grafton," which, when the evening
sun lighted up the north-western slopes of Sari Bair, would loose her
guns, the firing of which gave forth a peculiar long-drawn-out double
echo.
With the fall of night sight failed except in regard to the flashes of
the naval guns and the red and green lights of the waiting hospital
ships.
Whilst in Taylor's Hollow the Battalion was not immediately concerned
with the operations of the front line. It was, however, still under
fire, for numerous shells fell at the entrance to the Hollow and bullets
came thickly at night all over the area. The sole casualty was a donkey
killed. On the beach near-by a lighter had been blown ashore. In its
vicinity some of the men were in the habit of bathing. The Turks shelled
the locality one afternoon and the bathers took cover under the distant
side of the boat. From this they emerged rather hurriedly when a shell
lobbed right into the craft. But instead of forsaking the neighbourhood
they lay about under the sand ridges, and when a shell landed were seen
to rush out and "souvenir" the copper driving band, from which
interesting mementos were manufactured by the artificers of the adjacent
howitzer battery.
Advantage was taken of the relatively quiet period to pay a visit to the
IX. Corps. A party of officers traversed the front line as far as the
headquarters at Suvla. In doing so they not only had the opportunity of
surveying the positions, but also of meeting a great number of the units
who had been so sorely tried in the August fighting and who did so well
later in Palestine and Mesopotamia. London and County Regiments,
Ghurkas, Sikhs, Welsh miners, and Scottish and Irish units, were all
represented and received the Australians with evident curiosity.
FOOTNOTES:
[P] Gallipoli Diary.
CHAPTER IX.
GALLIPOLI (continued).
On November 4th, at 9 p.m., an unusually heavy outburst of firing
commenced on the extreme right and rapidly spread along to Russell's
Top. Flares were seen to be ascending freely. Later on came the news
that the Turks had made an attack near Chatham's Post and had been
successfully repulsed.
November 11th saw the return of the miners from the Apex, also the
Machine Gunners and Lieut. Phillips' platoon from Canterbury Slope. This
was preparatory to a junction with the 2nd Division, which was effected
the following night. As the last of the 7th Brigade was now leaving the
N.Z. and A Division area, General Godley forwarded to the Brigadier a
message expressing his complete satisfaction with its fighting
qualities, work, and promise. Subsequent events amply justified this
proof of his goodwill and judgment.
During the night of the 12th the headquarters of the Battalion were
moved to Happy Valley. This feature formed the northern side of Walker's
Ridge and ran up to Russell's Top, then occupied by the 26th Battalion.
Prior to the August advance 3,000 troops had been successfully concealed
there. The sides of the valley were steep and composed mostly of loose
soil rendering excavation for cover difficult. There were also
disagreeable evidences of the previous occupants and the ground was
freely scattered with tins of preserved meat.
Here the 28th became a support for the garrison above. It had also to
provide a patrol to connect with the 1st Light Horse Brigade now on the
Battalion's left and on the opposite side of Malone Gully. Between Happy
Valley and Malone Gully ran a razor-edged spur--descending from Turk's
Head, the extreme left of the Russell's Top position. At the summit
Lieut. Shaw took charge of two machine guns already in position there.
The remainder of his section, now 60 strong, engaged in training on the
hinter slope. The spur itself was known officially as "Wild Cat Sap,"
but more popularly as the "Ghost Walk." During the hours of darkness, up
and down the footway that had been cut, toiled and slipped a patrol,
whilst in the valley itself a platoon was kept in a state of constant
readiness as an inlying picquet.
[Illustration: THE SARI BAIR RIDGE.
Showing Baby 700, the Nek, and Russell's Top. The Nek is shown in the
centre of the picture at the head of the dark patch. The opposing
trenches are to the right of it.
_Photo. lent by Mr. C. E. W. Bean. Copyright by Australian War Museum._]
During the afternoon of the 13th November, the sounds of cheering,
coming from the direction of the beach, indicated some unusual
happening. Shortly afterwards Lord Kitchener, accompanied by Generals
Monro, Maxwell, and Birdwood, was seen ascending the slope to Walker's
Ridge. He had spoken to the men who had "reviewed" him on landing and
had given them a gracious and flattering message from the King. One of
the Battalion "rumourists" returned from the vicinity with the report
that the words spoken included, "Well, boys, you will all be in Egypt
for Christmas." The stay of the Secretary of State for War was brief and
he left Anzac again in a small launch which did not attract even a
single shell from the enemy's guns.
Sickness continued to make its levy on the officers. Lieut. Ruddock went
down with pneumonia on the 13th November, and was succeeded as Adjutant
by Lieut. G. A. Read. Captain Montgomery, who had returned to duty, had
again to be sent away and was followed a few days later by Lieuts. G. A.
F. Smith and H. J. Bowra. Dean Brennan, who had fallen a victim to
jaundice, was also evacuated. Major Leane became ill, but as the
Battalion was in reserve he was granted his plea to be allowed to remain
with his company, and eventually pulled round.
The weather was now becoming cold and unsettled. A third blanket was
issued to each man. These blankets were of varied colours and when
spread out to dry or air gave the landscape an appearance that must have
puzzled any hostile aviator. On the 15th the wind began to rise early in
the morning and blew clouds of dust about. The sea also became troubled.
Two days later the atmospheric conditions got worse. Several boats were
blown ashore and the piers damaged. About 8 p.m. rain descended and
drenched those whose dugouts afforded little protection. During the
worst period the enemy became "jumpy" and opened a heavy fire on the
hill above. The prospect of having to ascend the slippery tracks was
forbidding. However, quiet returned and daybreak revealed the sea
rapidly subsiding.
About this time, the Battalion witnessed an enemy aeroplane pass over
our positions--dropping several bombs and arrows. One bomb fell near to
the main ammonal magazine, but, very fortunately, failed to explode.
This was the first of many similar experiences in other theatres of war.
That the war had not destroyed the humane instincts of the soldiers was
evidenced by an incident which occurred near the beach and was witnessed
from Happy Valley. Two mules, secured together by neck chains, were
being led northwards by a native attendant. Inadvertently, it would
seem, the man left the cover of the excavated road, which was used for
traffic and took his charges out into the open. Here they came into full
view of the enemy snipers, who promptly killed one of the animals. The
attendant immediately took to his heels and left the live mule anchored
by the chain to his dead companion. Bullets began to throw up the dust
around him--and it seemed to be only a matter of seconds before he would
go too--when a Light Horseman ran out from cover, some 50 yards away,
undid the chain, and, under an increasingly rapid fire, led the second
animal to safety.
At the head of Malone Gully there was a small projecting cliff, which
was in the possession of "Jacko." This and the ground behind it gave a
command over a limited portion of the beach, which was only a few
hundred yards away. In order to clear out the Turk and strengthen the
hold on Russell's Top, a plan for an advance in this direction was
considered during the month of November. It was proposed that the 28th
Battalion should carry out the operation and, with that object in view,
a preliminary reconnaissance was made. This, however, revealed that the
enemy had so placed his machine guns as to sweep the whole of the area
concerned. It was, therefore, decided to abandon the idea, as the
probable losses would be quite out of proportion to the benefit to be
gained.
The policy of the Anzac Corps, as given out at this time, was, in view
of the strength of the defences, to invite the Turk to attack. It was
anticipated that the losses inflicted on him would be so heavy that he
would be compelled to remain quiescent for the whole of the winter.
During that period the Australians would be able to hold their ground
with a greatly reduced garrison; thus simplifying the question of supply
and enabling the surplus troops to be sent away for rest and refit. On
the 22nd November, a Divisional Order was received directing that as
little firing as possible should take place and that no offensive on our
part was to be attempted. A further Order laid down that from 6 p.m. on
the 24th the Australians should not only hold their fire, but should
also refrain from displaying periscopes above the parapets. Proceeding,
it stipulated that the enemy was to be allowed to show himself, but this
latter provision subsequently gave way to an imperative injunction that
no opportunity of killing a Turk was to be missed.
This period of inactivity was continued until midnight on the 27th
November, and was facetiously termed the "close season for Turkey." In
the early portion, the unusual quietness on our side had a weird effect.
The enemy continued his ordinary activity for a time and then audibly
slackened, only to resume again later on. At night time he sent over
patrols to investigate, but these were not allowed to return. A story
was told of a solitary individual crossing over from the opposite lines
and quietly removing some filled sandbags from our parapet in order to
repair his own. The Turk was very short of this useful article and his
trenches always presented a spectacle of many materials and colours.
The ruse having failed in its expressed purpose, the normal defensive
was resumed.
On the 24th November, the 25th Battalion, then in Reserve Gully, was
ordered to be in readiness to embark for Lemnos Island for a rest. The
following day the 27th Battalion, at Mule Gully, received a similar
order. Both these orders were subsequently countermanded--much to the
disgust of the units concerned, who were employed in heavy pick and
shovel work and were far from being in a healthy condition.
Running from the bottom of Happy Valley to the main traffic trench, the
Battalion had excavated a new roadway. In honour of the first officer
casualty, this was named the "Jensen Sap" (Division took this as a
compliment to the then Minister for the Navy). In this was found, one
morning, the remains of a labour company of the Army Service Corps. It
was composed of men, recruited in England, too old for ordinary line
service and intended for work on the beach and piers. It was quickly
proved that they were quite unable to withstand the rigors of the local
climate. After losing many from the ranks through shell fire near Hell
Spit, they had been moved to the north. There at first they wandered
helplessly about, apparently quite unable to do anything for themselves.
The 28th men, who dubbed them "the Old and Bold," took pity and assisted
them to make their little bivouacs in protected places. The old
gentlemen were very grateful. One of them was the originator of a now
well known story. Seeing a Light Horseman passing along the main sap,
and wearing the distinctive head-dress, he hailed him--"Say, choom, be
them kangaroo feathers in your 'at?"
A few days of sunshine had followed the storm of the 17th November. Then
came cold and colder winds, which chilled to the bone. The sea was rough
and the landing of stores became impossible. Rations were cut down to
biscuits and bully beef, and water to 1/4 gallon per diem. In spite of
these privations, Battalion Headquarters had fresh "lamb" chops for
breakfast on one day. Having on the previous day seen the meat ration of
the Native Labour Corps browsing on the slope of Walker's Ridge, the
staff asked no questions, but made a mental note of a very
self-conscious batman and an imperturbable quartermaster.
[Illustration: HEADQUARTERS OF "C" COMPANY,
Happy Valley, 28th November, 1915,
Showing signs of the Blizzard.
_Photo. by Major R. C. Phillips._]
[Illustration: THE GREAT TRAFFIC TRENCH.
This ran along behind the left centre of the Corps line.
_Photo. lent by Mr. T. Pritchard._]
During the night of the 27th/28th November, snow began to fall and
daylight revealed the whole country covered as with a white pall. Many
of the Australians had never seen snow before and were greatly attracted
by this new experience. A few indulged in snowballing, others gathered
the new element and melted it with a view to supplementing the water
supply, but it soon became apparent that the visitation was going to
have very serious effects. Traffic turned the snow into mud and the
inclines used by the mules became almost impassable. Snow continued to
fall until midday, and towards evening, with the thermometer down to
24°, a hard frost set in, accompanied by a keen wind. This removed the
mud difficulty for the time being, but rifle actions became rigid and
machine guns refused to work. On Turk's Head for twelve hours the
garrison was almost defenceless.
These severe conditions existed until the last day of the month, when
the sun re-asserted itself, gave off some warmth, melted the ice, and,
for a period, restored the muddy conditions. The visitation of the
blizzard had dire consequences, especially to the men in the trenches,
where there was such little room for movement. Cases of frost-bite were
numerous--a few only in the 28th--whilst many men who had been bravely
hanging on to duty now found their last ounce of vitality forsaking them
and were impelled to parade sick. The troops to the north of Anzac fared
the worst. The snow had been preceded by heavy falls of rain, converting
the low-lying trenches into watercourses and in some cases obliterating
them altogether. With the advent of the frost, men previously wet
through had their garments frozen on them. Two hundred deaths followed
from exposure and exhaustion. Some sentries were found still at their
posts with the last spark of life departed. Altogether some 10,000 sick
were evacuated from the Peninsula, one British Division losing 50 per
cent. of its strength. Nor did the enemy, it is believed, fare much
better, as many of his dead were washed down the deres into our trenches
near Suvla.
The month closed for the Battalion with a record of five died of wounds
and 111 evacuated sick. In consequence of further casualties in the
commissioned ranks, Sergt. F. Sears was promoted to be a platoon
commander.
Since near the middle of November there had been a noticeable increase
in the enemy artillery fire. The beach received special attention. Not
only was there an increase in the number of rounds fired, but it seemed
that more large calibre guns were being brought into use. Intelligence
reports also, from time to time, mentioned additional heavy German guns
reaching the Turks _via_ Bulgaria.
The dawn of the 29th November revealed a series of small flags flying
from the parapet of the enemy front line trenches. Soon there commenced
a heavy bombardment of Russell's Top and a heavier one of the Lone Pine
position. At this latter place serious casualties were suffered by the
6th Brigade. Many men were buried alive by the collapse of the covered
saps. Part of the 7th Brigade was sent up as a reinforcement and to
assist in the restoration of the works.
[Illustration: THE TRENCHES ON RUSSELL'S TOP.
_Map by Australian War Museum._]
Happy Valley received many of the "overs" intended for Russell's Top and
also much spent shrapnel. Little or no damage was done.
Noon of Sunday, the 6th December, witnessed the coming into action of
the much talked-of German guns. Heavy and ear-splitting crashes in the
direction of old No. 2 Post attracted attention and the observer saw
geyser-like columns of earth ascending. Seemingly the enemy was
endeavouring to reach the headquarters of the N.Z. and A. Division, but
his shells either fell short or, unfortunately, went in amongst the
marquees of the 13th Casualty Clearing Station, which was situated
near-by. Men could be seen running for cover, some bearing in their
arms, or on their backs, other men who were unable to help themselves.
Many, already wounded, were killed in their beds.
On the 3rd December a conference took place on Walker's Ridge between
the Army Commander and the Corps, Division, and Brigade Commanders, at
which the C.O. was present. The 2nd Division was now commanded by
Brig.-General W. Holmes in place of Major-General Legge who, in
ill-health, had left the Peninsula towards the end of November. General
Godley had taken General Birdwood's post, the latter having moved to
Imbros to assume direction of the whole of the forces on the Peninsula,
which were now grouped as the "Dardanelles Army." At this conference
certain special defence measures were discussed and a plan of relief
decided upon whereby the 26th Battalion was to be replaced by the 28th.
During the day following, "A" Company moved up. "D" Company left Happy
Valley on the 6th, Headquarters and "B" Company on the 7th, and "C"
Company made the Battalion complete on the 8th. Lieut. Shaw took over
charge of all the machine guns in the position. There were two reasons
for the time taken over this relief. The first, the difficult approach
to and intricate nature of the defences; and, secondly, the necessity of
withdrawing men gradually from the beach fatigues so that they might be
replaced from the relieved battalion without causing a break in the
continuity of the services.
Russell's Top was another "Apex" and a cockshy for any enemy guns that
were within range. The possession of it denied to the enemy observation
of the beach and piers. The ascent to it was by a winding road cut in
the feature which separated Happy Valley from Mule Gully. Its flanks
rested on precipices 150 to 200 feet high and away to the right rear ran
a long narrow tongue of cliff terminating at "The Sphinx." In front lay
"The Nek" across which our Light Horse had so gallantly attempted to
charge on the 6th August.
Both sides had pushed forward their trenches until very little space
separated them from one another. Mining and countermining had been very
active, and galleries, on three different levels, ran forward under the
Nek. The 26th Battalion had broken through into the Turkish workings in
one or two places, and some spirited bombing and revolver shooting had
taken place in the bowels of the earth. At the rear of the position a
large gallery had been commenced with a view to tunnelling right under
the Turkish works on Battleship Hill. Such progress had been made that
at the beginning of December the head of the drive was underneath the
enemy's second line of trenches. Into these different workings went the
28th mining party under Sergt. Arundel, whilst sentries stationed at
various points were charged with the duty of listening for countermining
and to act in case of a sudden break-through.
[Illustration: A CONFERENCE ON WALKER'S RIDGE,
December, 1915.
Generals Birdwood, Godley, and Holmes, Colonel Paton, and
Lt.-Colonels Ferguson, Collett, and G. H. N. Jackson.]
"B," "C," and "D" Companies were in the front line in that order from
the right. "A" Company was in reserve. The first-named unit had a
considerable length of trench to deal with--part of which was known as
"Bully Beef Sap," and ran down into Monash Gully opposite to Pope's
Post. From the top of this sap a magnificent view of the southern part
of the Peninsula could be obtained, and it was to that point that Lord
Kitchener was brought on the occasion of his visit. Behind the right
flank of the position, and leading down into Reserve Gully ran a deep
wide trench known as "Broadway." This constituted the main traffic road
for the bringing up of supplies and reinforcements. Behind this again,
and on the edge of the cliff, was a pile of stores containing seven
days' supply of biscuits and preserved meat together with ammunition.
Inspections by Generals Birdwood and Godley, and the Divisional
Commander, at frequent intervals, were an index to the importance of the
position in their eyes.
The Battalion now came under bombardments which were indulged in by the
enemy three or four times daily. Six-inch shells, filled with black
powder, were common but did little damage--except to the earthworks.
Some of these could be observed in flight as they traversed the position
and fell over into one or other of the ravines. "Whizz-bangs" were more
deadly, and shrapnel accounted for a number of casualties which, during
the stay in the line, amounted to two killed and 11 wounded. One of
these smaller shells tore away the tarpaulin which covered the
Quartermaster's stores and was followed immediately by a heavy shell
which landed right amongst them and scattered biscuits and tins of bully
beef broadcast.
At 8 o'clock on the night of the 9th December an explosion occurred in
one of the enemy's deep-level tunnels. No damage was done to our
garrison or works. The Turk followed this up with such a concentrated
rifle and machine-gun fire across the Nek as had never before been
experienced by the Battalion. An hour later all was normal again, and
the indications seemed to point to the subterranean eruption having been
accidental and attributed by the Turk to our side as the precursor of an
attack.
The 28th did not submit tamely to the frequent bombardments. Our
artillery, from both land and sea, replied in a spirited manner. Hand
bombs were also thrown, and the small trench mortars, catapults, and
Japanese trench mortar, were brought constantly into play. One of the
bombs of this last-named weapon was observed to penetrate into a trench,
and the explosion which followed threw into the air various articles of
personal apparel. Shortly afterwards a Turk was seen to emerge
barefooted from the trench, walk deliberately into No-Man's Land, and
remove a pair of boots from the feet of a dead body lying there. He
returned to his shelter without having been observed by the snipers.
The 11th December brought a surprise for the Battalion. It was informed
that in accordance with the policy of reducing the garrisons during the
winter months, the 7th Brigade would embark on the following day. The
Divisional Commander's plan included the relief of the garrison of
Russell's Top by the 20th Battalion. That afternoon a party of the New
South Wales unit, consisting of the C.O., three majors, and the
Adjutant, came along Broadway with the intention of making preliminary
arrangements for the next day's move. Unfortunately they were caught by
a burst of shrapnel and the three majors were killed.
[Illustration: THE VIEW FROM RUSSELL'S TOP, LOOKING INTO MALONE GULLY.
_Official Photo. No. G. 1879. Copyright by Australian War Museum._]
By noon of the 12th December the 20th Battalion had taken over the line,
and the Western Australians moved down to Happy Valley. Here
preparations were commenced for the impending move. These included,
apart from the assembly and packing of baggage, the collection and
destruction of all scraps of letters, documents, or newspapers. Whilst
engaged in this task shrapnel "overs" slightly wounded Captain J. Kenny,
the Regimental Medical Officer, and Lieut. E. G. Glyde.
During the afternoon the real object of the move was explained to the
C.O. by the Divisional Commander. He stated that the evacuation of the
Peninsula had commenced, and that Colonel J. Paton had been selected to
command the rear guard.
For the previous two months rumours of pending advances and retirements
had been rife. All ranks had gleaned from the newspapers that the wisdom
of further prosecuting the campaign had been openly debated in the
British Parliament. That it seemed impossible to expect any further
substantial support from England or her Allies, and that the defection
of Bulgaria in October had opened the way for German aid to the Turks,
who had been in a critical situation up to that time. Further, the heavy
losses sustained during the August fighting, and the alarming inroads of
disease, had so weakened the force as to raise the question of whether
it would be able to hold on should the enemy take the offensive. On top
of all came the prospect of the long winter with its rains and
blizzards, against which there was such little protection available, and
which would turn the ravines and hollows into veritable death traps.
On the other hand, the departure of Sir Ian Hamilton in October, the
publication of his farewell order, the appointment of his distinguished
successor--who also had a reputation for doing things--the visit of Lord
Kitchener, the increased naval force and gun activity noticeable after
the three days' silence of November, and the removal of troops to rest
stations, all pointed to a renewal of the policy of action as soon as
circumstances permitted. Nor was this theory discounted by the obvious
departure of troops from Suvla, and guns and wagons from Anzac, "to
reinforce Salonika"--the allied force at that time being hard pressed.
The first suspicion that all was not going well was caused the day
before the 28th Battalion left Russell's Top, by the spectacle of men
hurling boxes of rifle ammunition into deep pits and the receipt of the
order that rations must be drawn from the reserve located on the
position.
Now when the truth was known, all ranks were exercised by feelings
partly of relief and partly of disappointment. Relief at the thought
that the apparently useless sacrifice of life was to cease, and
disappointment that in spite of the streams of blood that had been shed,
and notwithstanding the performance of feats of arms not previously
equalled in history, Australia had failed to achieve complete success in
her first undertaking as a nation.
In this state of mind the Battalion quietly completed its arrangements
for embarkation. It had been ordered that an officer and 17 other ranks
of the Machine Gun Section were to be left to man the guns on Russell's
Top. Lieut. Shaw, on calling for volunteers for a "stunt," received
responses from the whole of his men and had difficulty in choosing the
right number from so much excellent material.
After dark the Battalion, which had assembled in the main saps, moved
down to Williams' Pier. Through over-anxiety on the part of the
Divisional Staff to avoid delay, the arrival of the unit was premature.
The 27th Battalion, having been ordered to embark earlier, was only just
commencing the operation. About 1,200 to 1,500 men were now crowded at a
point that the Turk constantly shelled. By one of those coincidences
which had been witnessed when Lord Kitchener landed at the same spot,
and was frequently noticeable when General Birdwood visited the front
line trenches, not a shot was fired by the enemy.
By 10 p.m. the last man had been taken off by the "beetles" and
transferred to the Khedivial Mail Steamer "Osmanieh." This vessel was of
some 4,000 tons and was now packed with the 27th, 28th, and some of the
26th Battalions. The baggage had been left behind on the beach under
guard, and was to follow the unit. Ultimately it was placed on another
transport and never seen again by its owners. Some valuable regimental
records and very interesting personal souvenirs were thus lost.
The policy in regard to the evacuation, as a tactical operation, was the
gradual withdrawal of the troops over a period of several days. Each day
the garrisons of posts would become weaker, and each day would make a
corresponding extra demand upon those remaining to keep up a display of
strength and activity. On the last day would be left a mere screen of
men and guns, known as the "C Party," who themselves were again
subdivided into three divisions. The men of the "C3" party were to be
the last to leave--were to be all volunteers--and were known as the
"Die-hards." To Lieut. G. D. Shaw and his men fell the task of defending
with their machine guns one of the last posts to be vacated in the Anzac
sector.
The guns were four in number and four men constituted the crew of each
gun. Each man did two hours on duty and two off. In this latter period
he had to cook his food and get what rest was possible. In contrast with
the previous three months the men were fed well and given many kinds of
articles extra to the rations. They received socks which were worn over
the boots so as to deaden the sounds of movement.
Commencing on the 15th December, each gun fired 10,000 rounds nightly.
This expenditure of ammunition was broken by irregular periods of
silence during which nobody showed lights, fired, or talked, and so gave
the place an air of having been deserted. The Turk was at first puzzled
and then became apprehensive. He was seen to be putting out fresh wire
and strengthening the already existing defences. To the fire he replied
in a spirited manner, but did little damage the first day.
On the following day the garrison observed ten men-of-war heavily
bombard the hostile lines near Hellas. Our aeroplanes were also busy and
kept unwelcome observers away. At 5 p.m. a heavy bombardment killed
Private E. Morrow and wounded Sergt. G. Moore. Private N. A. Munro was
killed and Private H. W. Greenwood slightly wounded by a bullet which
entered through a loophole. Five hours later a fire broke out on the
beach amongst the surplus stores. This burned all night. Flames shot up
60 feet and the valleys became filled with smoke.
Dawn of the 17th witnessed the fire still burning. That night the enemy
guns three times demolished one of Shaw's gunpits, and the gun was
finally placed near the parapet so as to fire over the top if necessary.
The following day the final instructions were issued to the garrisons.
The activity continued, and that night the men in the Russell's Top
position numbered 300 only. Lieut. Shaw's guns were reduced to three.
The 19th December. The last day. The sunny spring-like weather of the
previous fortnight continued and the sea remained calm. At 6 p.m. all
but 100 men came down to Williams' Pier and embarked. Sergt. Waddingham
and Lance-Corpl. M. F. Newnes took their guns to the lower slopes of
Walker Ridge to cover the retirement from the left flank. Lieut. Shaw,
with the remaining gun team, then roved about from post to post in the
front trench making as much display as possible with the solitary weapon
and getting very hot replies. At midnight the "C1" party retired. About
an hour later a report was received that the enemy was moving down
Monash Gully. On investigation this proved to be a wiring party only. At
2 a.m. on the 20th December the "C2" party left, and now in the key
position there remained only 37 officers and riflemen, four machine
gunners, and two signallers.
The embarkation proceeded more rapidly than was expected, and at 3 a.m.
Lieut. Shaw, in moving around, met the remainder of the 20th Battalion
in movement. He and his party had been forgotten. Five minutes
later--being the last to leave the front line in this sector--he joined
his other two guns lower down and came into action again. At 3.35 a.m.
he was ordered to retire to the boats. This he did and got his remaining
men and material safely on board.
[Illustration: CAPTAIN G. D. SHAW, M.C.
Machine Gun Officer.]
[Illustration: CAPTAIN T. O. NICHOLLS, M.C.
Who commanded the 7th Machine Gun Company.]
Mines had been placed in the galleries that knew the men of the 28th at
the Apex and Russell's Top. At 3.45 a.m. these were exploded with great
effect. The Turk was silent for a moment or two, and then opened a
tremendous but harmless fire all along the line. At 4.30 a.m. a
fascinating display was afforded those now on the boats when smaller
mines were discharged and fires broke out at different points on the
beaches amongst the stores that it had been impossible to bring away.
The Machine Gun Section, as a parting gift to their friends the enemy,
had laid a table and set thereon porridge and cocoa ready for the first
who came into the evacuated trenches.
The names of the 28th men who took part in the final phase of the
evacuation are as follows:--
Lieut. G. D. Shaw.
Sergt. G. Moore (wounded).
Private J. Adams.
Private C. G. Graham.
Sergt. F. H. Waddingham.
Lance-Corpl. M. F. Newnes.
Private M. M. Fitzpatrick.
Private H. W. Greenwood (wounded).
Private A. Harris (1st Rft.).
Private W. A. Johnstone.
Private E. Morrow (1st Rft., killed).
Private G. B. Neilson.
Private T. W. Spencer (1st Rft.).
Private H. K. de W. Harvey.
Private C. McKail.
Private N. A. Munro (killed).
Private E. S. Smart (1st Rft.).
CHAPTER X.
LEMNOS ISLAND.
The crowded "Osmanieh" left the anchorage opposite Anzac early in the
morning of the 13th December. Removed, for the time being, from the
everlasting noise and risk of battle, feeling also that the morrow would
bring real rest and a life of comparative ease, the troops slept well in
spite of their uncomfortable surroundings.
After daylight the transport entered Mudros Bay and before noon the
disembarkation had been carried out at a pier near the northern end of
Port Mudros.
The Battalion formed up and then moved off by a military road, made by
Turkish prisoners of war, which ran through the lines of the 2nd
Australian Stationary Hospital, the 3rd Australian General Hospital, and
a Canadian General Hospital, all of which were accommodated in marquees.
The staffs, and some of the patients, of these establishments stood by
the roadside as the new arrivals passed. Many friends and acquaintances
were recognised and the C.O. of the 2nd Stationary Hospital (Major G. W.
Barber) invited the officers of the Battalion staff to a dinner, to be
held the following evening, to mark the first anniversary of the medical
unit's departure from Australia.
Seen on the line of march for the first time for over three months, the
Battalion presented a sorry spectacle as compared with that witnessed
when it left Heliopolis on the 3rd September. Equipment fitted anyhow
and clothes were torn and stained. Few hats remained, their place being
taken by caps of various sorts and even woollen comforters. But the most
pitiful feature was the appearance of the men themselves. Emaciated
bodies, colourless faces, and lack-lustre eyes, revealed the effects of
the privations undergone, the continuous exposure to shell fire,
and--most of all--the inroads of disease.
The route the Battalion now followed led around a shallow inlet of the
sea to a camp near the little village of Sarpi. The distance was little
more than three miles in all, but so weak were the majority of the men
that they could not carry their packs and at the same time keep their
positions in the ranks. The camp site was eventually approached in a
kind of skirmishing formation of many lines. Numbers of men had fallen
out on the way--catching up again as best they could--whilst some, game
to the end on the Peninsula, had at last to give in and were handed over
to hospitals on passing through.
It was understood that the halt at Sarpi would be only temporary. The
area belonged to the 1st Division and was already occupied by the 3rd
Brigade. Communication was very soon established with the members of the
11th Battalion--notwithstanding the fact that they were in quarantine on
account of an outbreak of measles.
The accommodation in the camps was that furnished by tents only. In this
instance they were not very plentiful at the moment and a good
proportion of the men had to sleep out in the open. However, the air was
still warm and another mild hardship at this stage was neither here nor
there.
Having noticed a large canteen near the landing pier, the C.O. decided
that the Battalion's long divorce from good ale might reasonably, and
with great advantage, be brought to a close. Transport was the
difficulty. The canteen was over three miles away and the unit possessed
neither horse nor cart. Recourse was had to an officer of considerable
powers of initiative who, in civil life, held a master mariner's
certificate. He knew little about horses but a saddled one was borrowed
from the 3rd Brigade and given to him with instructions to purchase the
beer and bring it back to camp. He disappeared at a gallop over the
skyline and returned about two hours later with a wagon load of full
barrels. He had discovered a detachment of the Royal Army Service Corps
and, posing as an orderly officer or a.d.c., had told its officer a
distressing story of a brigadier who for several hours had been
separated from his personal baggage. The arrival of the wagon was
greeted with cheers and after its load was taken off, the men came up
and gazed reverently on the barrels until they were tapped and the
contents distributed.
Lieut.-Colonel G. H. Ferguson now being temporarily in command of the
Brigade, Major C. R. Davies was detached to succeed him in command of
the 26th Battalion.
On the 15th December the Battalion moved down the western side of the
bay to a locality termed "Z Valley"--near the entrance to the harbour.
The adjacent area was now known as "South Camp" and was destined for
occupation by the 2nd Division.
Tents were pitched and a neat little camp soon made its appearance. Some
difficulty was encountered in making the floors of the tents
comfortable. There existed a superabundance of stones of the size of emu
eggs which had first to be removed. These also littered the parade
ground spaces and large parties had to be set to work clearing them up
before exercises could be commenced. Water was scarce and the supply had
to be augmented by sinking wells which later yielded a fair return.
Other camps appeared as units continued to arrive from the Peninsula.
The 25th Battalion marched in on the 18th, and on the 20th Colonel
Paton rejoined the Brigade, bringing the surprising intelligence that
the evacuation had been completed with the loss of scarcely a single
man. That evening the survivors of the Machine Gun Section appeared and
were heartily welcomed, the more so as they had been given up for lost.
During the first two or three days after arrival at Z Valley little but
absolutely necessary work was performed. The men were allowed to rest.
Many of them went down to the adjacent beach and bathed, or sat down on
the rocks and ate large quantities of oranges and chocolates purchased
from Greek boatmen.
As soon as the Ordnance branch of the army had established itself
near-by, the process of refitting was commenced. However, supplies were
short and not even the demands for bare necessaries could be fully met.
Nevertheless, the Battalion was able to change and wash its clothes, cut
its hair, and indulge in a daily shave.
At this period the 28th had been long enough on service to begin to
appreciate the axiom "We are here to-day and gone tomorrow." No sooner
had the members settled down in their new camp then they began to ask
themselves "How long shall we be here?" and "Where are we going to?"
They knew that the evacuation of Anzac was merely the end of a phase of
the war. They were anxious as to how the news would be received at home
and hoped that it would not cause the people of Australia to be
despondent. They speculated on a possible return to Gallipoli--now that
it was discovered that Helles was being held. They considered Salonika
once more; dealt with the rumours of unrest in Egypt and the threat of
another Turkish attempt on the Canal; and, finally, discussed the
campaign on the Western Front where troops lived in billets, got good
food in quantity, and now and then received leave to go home.
The 28th left Gallipoli with a strength of 25 officers and 660 other
ranks. It had been thirteen weeks under fire and, although not taking
part in any "stunt," had held the line in such a manner as to add
considerably to its prestige and earn the reputation of being a solid
battalion. This duty had been carried out at a cost of 50 dead, 84
wounded, and 355 evacuated through disease.
The discipline had been excellent and, where all had behaved and done
their work so well, it was difficult to discriminate between one
individual and another. Nevertheless, in response to the inquiries of
the Divisional Commander, the following were selected for special
mention: Major A. W. Leane, Captain J. Kenny, A.A.M.C., Sergt. W. T.
Dawson, Lance-Sergt. G. M. Hammond, Corporal A. Jerry, Lance-Corporal A.
W. Curran, and Privates H. A. Franco and D. McAuliffe. Four of those so
named were subsequently awarded the Military Medal "for bravery in the
field."
The condition of the Battalion on arrival at Lemnos Island was such that
it was almost totally unfit to take the field again without being
reinforced, refitted, and the _personnel_ given an opportunity of
regaining its normal health and strength. Inquiries as to reinforcements
resulted in 72 men arriving, on the 29th December, from details camped
on the island. Fifteen of these were individuals rejoining after
sickness, etc. Larger numbers, it was understood, were being trained in
Egypt.
The health began to improve with the rest the members now received, the
better quality and variety of food supplied, and the institution of a
graduated system of physical exercises, drill, and marches, intended to
re-invigorate their mental and physical faculties. Within a fortnight
the effect was most noticeable. Colour came to the faces, the bodies
filled out, and individuals moved with an alertness strikingly different
from that when landing on the shores of the bay.
The second morning after arriving at Z Valley, the Assistant Director of
Medical Services of the Division attended at the "sick parade." Being a
very humane man, he was concerned at the appearance of the soldiers
present and told them that they ought all to be in hospital. This
thought was attractive. The vision, obtained a few days before, of real
beds and clean white sheets, combined with the prospect of being waited
on by the comely nurses of the Australian and Canadian services, could
only have one result. On the following sick parade the attendance was
trebled. But disappointment followed. The A.D.M.S. was not about, and a
far-seeing regimental medical officer pronounced his verdict--"Medicine
and duty"--on all but a few.
The drill exercises commenced with the squad formations, and here arose
the rather ludicrous situation of N.C.Os. not being able to describe the
movements required. This was brought about by the promotion on the
Peninsula of men who fulfilled the requirements there and got things
done by giving orders in a few terse phrases of their own coining, but
had never handled a section on parade or seen inside the cover of a
text-book. The position was aggravated by many of the officers being
"rusty" themselves and not having books of reference handy. However, the
difficulty was got over by forming a class of instruction in each
company, and the desired result was obtained in a few days. Five hours
daily were given to parades and a half-holiday observed on Wednesdays
and Saturdays.
[Illustration: THE CAMP AT SARPI,
Lemnos Island.
_Photo. lent by Lieut. H. V. Woods._]
[Illustration: THE SHIPPING IN MUDROS BAY, 1915.
_Photo. lent by M. Rene de Marigny, Paris._]
Although cold winds blew occasionally, and rain fell intermittently, the
climate of the island was not unpleasant at this time of the year.
Members of the Battalion, in their leisure hours, visited the
neighbouring villages of Portianos, Mudros, and Kondia, although this
latter place was subsequently placed out of bounds owing to an outbreak
of typhoid fever amongst the inhabitants. At Portianos occurred one of
those incidents the like of which is not altogether foreign to army
life--even in peace time. A solitary Australian encountered a "Tommy"
town picquet commanded by a tyrannical corporal. For a breach of certain
orders, of the existence of which he was unaware, the Australian was
rather roughly abused and handled by the picquet. Retiring discomfited
from the scene he met several of his countrymen. A brief conference was
followed by a return to the village and resulted in a very successful
"clean-up" of the original aggressors.
Some men walked considerable distances and penetrated to the western
side where is situated the principal town, Kastro--a place of some 3,000
inhabitants. Here they were able to inspect the Genoese fortress which
stands on a rocky peninsula and has an eminence of some 400 feet above
the sea. Souvenirs were obtained in the form of small roundshot from the
ancient cannon which formerly surmounted the walls.
Lemnos has an area of some 175 square miles and, before the war, boasted
of a population of some 27,000, of which number 3,000 or 4,000 were
Turks, and the remainder Greeks. In ancient times, it was part of the
Athenian Empire. The 15th Century saw it occupied by the Turks, in whose
possession it remained practically up to the close of the Balkan War of
1913. On the outbreak of hostilities in 1914, the question of ownership
was still under consideration by the Great Powers, but early in 1915 the
Greek Premier, Venizelos, offered the island to the Allies as an
intermediate base for their operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The island has many rugged barren hills--the highest near to where the
Australians were camped being Mt. Therma, which attained to 1,130 feet.
In wandering about the valleys and villages, the West Australians noted
the quiet demeanour of the inhabitants. The males had a somewhat
brigandish appearance in their dress of top boots, divided skirts,
sheepskin coats, and astrakan caps. With so many strangers about, it
would seem that great care was taken of the younger women. Very few of
those between the ages of 16 and 30 were seen. The few that were visible
had rather fine eyes, but otherwise were quite unattractive. Their usual
dress was European, but made up of cheap prints with a shawl or coloured
material tied round their heads as a covering.
The houses are square-built of stone, with no verandahs and little
window balconies in some of those of two stories. In a few cases, the
exterior walls were plastered and whitewashed or else painted with
colour of a violent blue. The windows and doors are small and the rooms
scarcely high enough to permit of one standing upright. The building
stone is granitic and of several colours, which, combined with the tint
of the moss on the roof tiles, gives an unusual effect to the general
appearance of the dwellings. In Kastro, the streets are of the width of
a Perth right-of-way and have shops on either side. These business
houses vary in size from half that of a street coffee stall to the
dimensions of the little grocery shops on the corners in our suburbs.
Here, besides fruit, might be bought a lot of cheaply made English and
German goods at prohibitive prices. Local wine and brandy were
procurable, also "Black and White" whiskey, which had been made in
Greece and bore a spurious label. This last was brought under the notice
of the military police, who compelled its withdrawal.
The products of the island seemed to be grapes and a few other fruits,
walnuts, wheat, barley, and a little cotton. Poultry were reared in some
numbers, and the eggs mainly went to the monasteries on the mainland, at
Mt. Athos, where the rules of the Order resident there forbade the
admission of females of any species. At one time the authorities on the
island derived a considerable revenue from the sale and export of a
certain red earth which, with much religious ceremony, was dug out at
stated times of the year and sealed in small packets. This, applied
internally and externally, was regarded as an antidote to poison and a
cure for snake bite.
A few flocks of long-wooled sheep roamed the hillsides. Many of these
were black. For tilling, primitive wooden ploughs, fitted with an iron
share, were used. These were drawn by oxen or, sometimes, by an ox and a
donkey, both animals usually in a very decrepit condition. The ordinary
means of conveyance was a curious old covered cart--also drawn by
donkeys.
Dotted about on the lower hills were windmills, with long wooden arms,
carrying the sails. The internal fittings and cog wheels were also wood.
These mills were used for grinding the corn that was not exported to the
mainland.
The island seemed to be well watered. One or two streams ran into the
Bay, and springs were plentiful. Some of these latter were built over
and provided with appliances for filling the carrying vessels. The
villages also had their wells, but the water in these was reported to be
polluted and to be the cause of outbreaks of fever.
There was almost a complete absence of trees, the natives having to
secure their fuel from the neighbouring islands. Animal life seemed to
consist of black and grey crows, jackdaws, a few hares, and moles, whose
mounds were numerous.
Like unto Egypt, each little village on the island had its cafés, where
the menfolk gathered and drank the thick sweet coffee. The 28th men
frequented these when desiring a rest in their walks. Sometimes they
visited the Greek churches--mostly old places, whitewashed, poorly
furnished, and with a good deal of tawdry decoration in the way of
pictures and tinsel. To the building at Portianos was an annexe half
filled with human skulls and leg and arm bones. Some of these were
ranged on shelves, whilst others were tied up in cloths, like bundles
for the laundry. The general impression was that these were the remains
of victims of Turkish massacres, but close inquiry revealed the fact
that they were the relics of the priests of the church--the custom being
to disinter the bones from the cemetery three years after the burial of
the body.
But the excursion most in favour with the Australian was to the hot
springs, on the slope of Mt. Therma. Round these had been built a rest
house. The springs fed into two marble baths about three feet deep and
six feet long. The water left the rocks at a temperature of 100 degrees
Fahrenheit, and to the man who had not had a decent wash for nearly four
months, the opportunity was revelled in. They used the baths in twos and
threes, covered themselves in soap and washed it off, and repeated the
process until the proprietor of the establishment knocked loudly at the
door to announce that other customers were waiting.
The harbour and bay at this time presented a spectacle not likely to be
again seen by many Australians. In addition to portions of the Allied
navies, and smaller vessels such as trawlers, there were assembled some
13 hospital ships and at least 70 transports of 4,000 tons and over.
Besides these, during the stay of the Battalion on the island, there
arrived the "Aquitania" (45,600 tons), "Mauretania" (31,900 tons), and
"Britannic" (50,000 tons), the latter vessel seeming to almost fill the
entrance to the harbour as she steamed slowly in.
Christmas Day was now approaching, and preparations for making the
season as enjoyable as possible were taken in hand. Tents were decorated
and the ground around laid out in designs formed with the aid of the
stones from the sea beach. A competition had been arranged and prizes
were given for the parties securing the best results. One man
constructed from the soil some models of kangaroos and swans. A supply
of beer was ordered from the Canteen, and a consignment of Swallow &
Ariell's tinned plum puddings having been received were issued in the
proportion of one tin to every two men.
On the afternoon of the 24th December arrived the "Christmas Billies."
These were two-quart cans which had been filled with comforts by the
people of Australia and despatched for the use of the troops. Each can
contained a card whereon the sender had written a seasonable greeting.
By a touch of irony, painted on the outside of the receptacle was a
representation of an Australian kicking a Turk off the Peninsula.
Beneath was inscribed a line from "Dryblower's" well known song, "This
bit of the world belongs to us." The contents of the "billies" covered a
fairly wide range of articles, and an inventory made of one gave the
following result:--
1 tin shortbread.
1 tin cheese.
1 tin tobacco.
1 pack playing cards.
1 corkscrew.
1 mouth organ.
Safety pins.
1 piece soap.
1 tube toothpaste.
1 toothbrush.
1 packet prunes.
1 packet boracic acid.
1 writing pad with envelopes.
1 pipe.
6 cigars.
Although each State of the Commonwealth sent its proportion of gifts,
the whole lot were pooled and distributed _pro rata_. The 28th thus
received mostly Victorian gifts, but they were none the less welcome,
and many men answered by letter the greetings of the senders.
The receipt of these gifts excited considerable interest and gave
infinite pleasure. The scene when the cans were being opened was
absorbing. Men were behaving like children, exhibiting the articles to
one another, exchanging when not quite to taste, rendering impromptus on
the mouth organs, and laughing over their own interpretations of the
messages. In these last, as might be expected, little incongruities were
discovered, and the commanding officer of a neighbouring battalion, who
admitted an age of 40 and a weight of some 200 lbs., felt flattered when
he read the enclosed inscription, "To my dear little soldier boy."
That night went pleasantly enough--the men singing and talking until a
late hour. Next morning, in beautiful weather, the Battalion paraded for
divine service, which was conducted by the Rev. S. McBain, a chaplain of
the 6th Brigade, in a manner that interested and pleased all. The dinner
was a feast as compared with the meals of the previous months, and
afterwards the Western Australians played their first, and a victorious,
game of football in the A.I.F.--on this occasion against the 24th
Battalion. A visit was also received from Colonel Burston, who was now
located on the island in command of a large reinforcement camp. That
evening in his own Mess he very pleasantly entertained some of the
officers. Boxing Day was also observed as a holiday and passed without
incident except for a visit from a hostile aeroplane which passed over
the camp travelling eastwards at a considerable height.
Probably owing to the dislocation of the services brought about by the
evacuation, the Battalion received no Australian mails for some time,
and its latest news from home was quite two months old. About the 20th
December, however, information was received that several thousand bags
were in the vicinity. Later, curious members located these on the east
side of the Bay. Representations made to higher authority failed to
secure delivery, the statement being made that no transport was
available but that battalions would receive their portions on reaching
the next theatre of operations. This answer not proving satisfactory, a
mild conspiracy was indulged in which covered the chartering of a local
fishing boat and a trip across the Bay. Lieut. Nicholls was master, the
owner pilot, and 28th men formed the crew. This and other measures were
successful, and the Battalion got its letters just before the end of the
month.
As time went on the Battalion so far improved in health and training
that unit and Brigade route marches were undertaken. Here the Western
Australians came under the eye of the Divisional Commander
(Brig.-General W. Holmes, D.S.O.), who complimented them on their march
discipline. On the 31st December he inspected them in close order drill
and the practice of formations when under artillery fire. So pleased was
he with their performance that he characterised the unit as "a damned
fine battalion. I have never before seen such good work done in the
Division."
On the 27th December was received, and read on parade, a message from
the King congratulating the troops on the successful evacuation of the
Peninsula. About this time arrived news of the deaths at Alexandria of
Captain H. B. Menz and Lieut. H. E. C. Ruddock, both of whom had
succumbed to disease.
A series of evening open-air concerts, arranged in the Brigade,
concluded on New Year's Eve with that given by the 28th. Visitors from
other units attended in considerable numbers and all enjoyed the
following programme:--
28TH BATTALION.
_Camp Concert--Programme._
Song "The Deathless Army" Private Allanson.
Song Private "Sport" Edwards.
Song Private Bolt.
Recitation "Voice of Gallipoli" Private Carr.
Song "Queen of Angels" Private Rolfe.
Song Private Allanson.
Song Private Piggott.
Sketch "Chrysanthemums" Corpl. Haydock.
Song Private Carr.
Recitation Lieut. Field.
Song Private Vicaridge.
Song Private "Sport" Edwards.
Song Private Thomas
Chorus "28th Anthem"
Chorus "Auld Lang Syne"
Lemnos Island, 31st December, 1915.
Many sat awake in their tents that night awaiting the arrival of the New
Year and wondering what their future lot would be. At midnight whistle
and siren sounds, so familiar, came from the vessels in the Bay.
About the 28th December instructions were received that the troops would
re-embark within a few days and that a small party would precede each
battalion in order to make the preliminary arrangements at the next
assembly point. Captain E. A. Coleman was placed in command of the 28th
details, and marched out on the 31st of the month.
January 1st was observed as a holiday, but training was continued on the
following days, when the weather, which was now becoming broken with
rains and cold winds, permitted. Definite instructions were issued to
embark on the 5th, but these were cancelled later on account of heavy
seas. However, at 7.30 a.m. on the 6th the camp ground was vacated, and
two hours later 24 officers and 667 other ranks of the 28th began to
file along North Pier and embark on the "Ansonia" (7,900 tons)--another
Cunard boat.
The transport also took on board 3 officers and 53 others of the 2nd
Divisional Train, under Captain S. Walker, and 6 officers and 717 other
ranks, details of various units, under Lieut.-Colonel R. A. Crouch.
No difficulty was encountered in regard to quarters, and when the
transport left the harbour next morning at 7.30 everybody had settled
down.
The danger from submarines had become more acute recently, consequently
special precautions were taken. No lights were exposed, and all life
belts were kept handy. However, the voyage was without incident and,
travelling rather slowly down through the Grecian Archipelago,
Alexandria harbour was entered during the afternoon of the 9th January.
CHAPTER XI.
BACK TO EGYPT.
The Battalion disembarked at 10 a.m. on the 10th January and at once
boarded a train. Little of Alexandria could be seen except the sea front
and the southern and eastern portions which the railway skirted in its
way out between the large shallow lakes, Mariut and Abukir, into the
Libyan Desert. The route lay across the Rosetta and Damietta branches of
the Nile and through the railway junctions of Tanta, Benha, and Zagazig,
to Tel-el-Kebir, a station on the Sweet Water Canal some 16 miles west
of Zagazig. Here there was a large military siding and signs of an
extensive camp.
Leaving the train the Battalion proceeded to its camp site eastwards for
some distance along a new military road. There, standing conspicuously
on a little knoll, the first object to catch the eye was a bulky figure
which had last been seen at Blackboy Hill and was now recognised, with
ironical cheers, as belonging to the Camp Provost Corporal--the terror
of all newly-joined recruits.
Near the camp site was parked the Regimental Transport which, under
Lieut. T. D. Graham, had for over four months been impatiently awaiting
orders to rejoin its parent unit. Men, horses, and vehicles were in fine
condition and showed the benefit of the hard training that had been
undertaken in anticipation of an advance after the enemy had been
dislodged. In the care of the Transport were Australian mails, which had
been accumulating for four weeks. These were very welcome.
Judging by the appearance of the lines of the neighbouring units, tents
were not plentiful. Thanks, however, to a thoughtful Quartermaster and
an unsuspecting Ordnance Officer at Alexandria, the Battalion had
brought with it on the train a supply sufficient to house all ranks and
allow a few over for the rest of the brigade. Beyond tents and a limited
water supply, drawn from a neighbouring main, none of the ordinary
conveniences, such as were found at Abbasia, were available. All these
had to be provided by the Battalion's own efforts.
[Illustration:
MAP OF THE COUNTRY ADJACENT TO
TEL EL-KEBIR.
SHEWING ENTRENCHMENTS (ARABI PASHA REVOLT 1882)
AND AUSTRALIAN CAMPS
1916]
The greatest difficulty was encountered in connection with the kitchens,
which could not be satisfactorily constructed in mere sand and gravel
without other aids. To some extent relief was obtained by secretly
requisitioning some of the loose railway material. When, however,
some newly wrought points, which were required for an additional siding,
disappeared, the railway engineers and divisional staff descended in
wrath upon the battalions and compelled the broken-hearted
Sergeant-Cooks to dismantle their improvised establishments.
Notwithstanding this discouragement, the cooks stuck to their tasks with
that faithfulness which always characterised their attitude to the
remainder of their comrades. They never let the men down.
At Tel-el-Kebir had been concentrated the 1st and 2nd Australian
Divisions. The N.Z. and A. Division was at Moascar (near Ismailia). The
8th Infantry Brigade, which had arrived in Egypt from Australia about
the middle of December, was covering a wide front on the eastern bank of
the Suez Canal. The three brigades of Light Horse had recovered their
mounts and were stationed near Cairo.
The camp of the 1st and 2nd Divisions ran for some two or three miles
along the north bank of the Wady Tumilat, through which in ancient days
had flowed the waters of the Nile to an outlet in the chain of lakes, of
which Timsah was the nearest. The stream bed is some two miles wide and
is dotted about with small villages and extensive cultivated tracts,
whose edges are sharply defined by the sand and gravel of the Arabian
Desert. On the south bank are traces of a canal excavated about 600
B.C., whilst on the north bank runs the Ismailia, or Sweet Water, Canal.
This is also a work commenced in ancient times, re-opened some 60 years
ago and continued to Suez originally for the purpose of supplying those
engaged on Lesseps' great work.
The camp backed on to the railway line and faced towards the open
desert, to the north. The 28th was on the extreme right of the infantry,
but still further to the right lay the three brigades of the artillery
of the 2nd Division, which had recently arrived from Australia. The
neighbouring ground was historical. On it had been camped Arabi Pasha's
rebel army of 25,000 Egyptians and 5,000 Bedouins to oppose Sir Garnet
Wolseley's flank march on Cairo from Ismailia. About 1,000 yards to the
east of the 28th, was a line of earthworks--ditch, rampart, bastion, and
redoubt--which, commencing at the Sweet Water Canal, extended about due
north for nearly five miles. Other and smaller works lay to the west of
this line. At dawn on the 13th September, 1882, the British, 17,000
strong with 61 guns, had attacked the Egyptian Army by storming the
fortifications. Within an hour the enemy was routed with heavy loss,
including 58 guns, and at the small cost to the assailants of 57 killed
and 412 other casualties. The following night Cairo had been entered and
the submission of Arabi Pasha and his followers received.
The first necessity, after the arrival of the Battalion at Tel-el-Kebir,
was to complete the refitting of the _personnel_ where it left off at
Lemnos Island. Here began in earnest the system of charging individuals
for losses of Government property. Up to date, these losses had been
attributed to active service conditions and considered almost
inevitable. But now a kit inspection revealed a deficiency of over
£1,000 worth of articles that had been delivered to members of the
Battalion less than a month before. This condition of affairs could only
be set down to carelessness, and as a corrective, those in authority
ruled that the individual must pay. Then followed little debit entries
in the Paybooks. These annoyed the owners, but had the desired effect.
The refitting was spread over many days, the greatest difficulty being
experienced with hats, which were scarce, the requisite numbers not
arriving until many weeks later.
The return to Egypt involved a reversion to conditions regarding
rationing which were far from satisfactory. The 8-1/2d. per diem per man
for groceries and extras was quite inadequate. Prices were higher and
supplies more difficult to obtain. The soldiers could not be fed
properly and grave trouble was threatening although all ranks were loyal
and recognised that the best possible was being done to improve
conditions. Eventually the Corps Commander, paying heed to the strong
representations made, issued orders that the whole matter of supplies
should be taken over by the Australian Army Service Corps and units
provided direct with what was required. An immediate and vast
improvement was the result.
The climate was found now to be very different from that of four months
earlier. It closely resembled September in Western Australia, with
occasional light showers of rain and nights cold enough to make at least
two blankets desirable.
During the afternoon of the 15th January the 1st and 2nd Divisions were
inspected by General Sir Archibald Murray, the Commander-in-Chief in
Egypt. The Brigade was drawn up in a line of battalions in mass and
mustered some 3,000 of all ranks. The General rode along the front of
the Brigade and commented in very favourable terms on the appearance and
steadiness of the Western Australians. In connection with this parade
the Divisional Commander (General Legge had by now returned to duty) had
been emphatic in regard to the dress of the troops. As a consequence
company commanders were instructed to take especial pains to see that
their men were correctly "turned out." When the unit was assembled the
C.O. also inspected them and apparently found nothing to complain of.
However, when the distinguished visitor arrived at the front of the
28th, there, standing in the centre of the front rank, could be seen a
soldier wearing on his head nothing less than a yellow cap comforter.
After the parade was over the Divisional Commander said what he had to
say to the Colonel and, in accordance with the custom of the service,
the Colonel passed the good words on.
[Illustration: ON THE BATTLEFIELD OF TEL-EL-KEBIR,
January, 1916.
Captain Rowan-Hamilton, Lt.-Col. J. Walker, Brig.-General J. Paton,
Lt.-Cols. W. Dollman, G. A. Ferguson, and H. B. Collett.]
At Tel-el-Kebir camp visits were exchanged between the various W.A.
units. Members of the newly-arrived 32nd Battalion also called in on
their way to Cairo. Brig.-General, J. J. T. Hobbs, from the 1st
Division, found time to look in on his fellow-countrymen.
Leave to visit Cairo was now granted to a percentage of all ranks. As
the majority of the pay accounts were substantially in credit this
privilege was made use of freely, and a very pleasant and well-earned
holiday of two or three days' duration spent in the city. Some men could
not wait for their turn. They evaded the police for the time being, only
to return later on, perhaps under escort, and face "Orderly room." There
they usually pleaded guilty to the charge against them--convinced that
in this instance the game had been worth the candle.
For some months past many complaints had been made at the front, and in
Australia, in regard to the parcel post. Parcels intended for soldiers
or their relatives had failed to reach their destinations. Where the
leakage was occurring it was impossible to say. However, about the
beginning of 1916 a change and reorganisation took place in the Army
Postal Service and a tremendous improvement resulted. That this change
was not viewed altogether without apprehension may be gathered from the
remark attributed to some individual--"Everybody but the rightful owners
has now been supplied with woollen underclothing, socks, pipes, tobacco,
and cigarettes for the next twelve months, as well as with cigarette
holders and wristlet watches. Why should we again have to go without
whilst a new lot of people are being equipped?"
Training was resumed immediately the Battalion had settled down into its
new camp. The General Staff still, apparently, held the opinion that the
Turk, reinforced by the German, would advance on Egypt. In consequence,
exercises in defence and in desert and night operations were constantly
practised. The Battalion also studied those portions of the textbooks
relating to savage warfare, to movements in echelon of companies, to the
formation of squares to resist hordes of barbarian cavalry, and to
suitable dispositions to counter the effects of artillery fire. During
the dark hours movements on astral and compass bearings were tried and
met with uniform success. Once a route march to an oasis some six miles
to the north-east was attempted, and the hard smooth gravel in the
desert in these parts made the "going" comparatively easy. Usually the
training was carried out on the scene of the battle of 1882 and the
feet, or inquisitive entrenching implement, of the soldier displaced
many relics of that engagement which was sometimes referred to in short
talks given when resting.
On the 22nd and 30th January, the whole Battalion, under Major Davies,
crossed the neighbouring canal and the Wady Tumilat and, in conjunction
with the 27th Battalion, engaged in a tactical exercise in which ball
ammunition was used. The enemy was represented by tiles suitably
arranged in the desert to the south.
Shortly after its arrival at Tel-el-Kebir the Battalion was notified
that volunteers were required for a new unit--the Imperial Camel
Corps--which was to be formed for operations in the desert. A number of
names were given in, and a few days later Lieuts. T. D. Graham, H. R.
Denson, and J. F. Quilty, with a goodly party of men, took train to
Abbasia to report to the I.C.C. Depôt. Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant
R. G. Sexty was promoted to fill the vacancy caused by Lieut. Graham's
transfer.
Inquiries in regard to reinforcements revealed that several hundred men,
intended for the 28th, were in Zeitun Camp, where they were being
trained on a system intended to fit them to take their place in the
ranks of the parent unit. Sir Archibald Murray had promised that these
should be sent to join the Battalion. On the 19th January 281 men
arrived. This number included 53 sick and wounded returned to duty.
The 27th January brought the news that Colonel Paton, for his services
during the Evacuation, had been rewarded with the rank of
Brigadier-General. This promotion, apart from being popular, brought
additional prestige to the 7th Brigade.
Notwithstanding the improved conditions of climate and surroundings, the
28th still suffered a few casualties from sickness. During the first
month of the year three officers and 56 other ranks were sent to
hospital. Shower baths were badly needed, and although the waters of the
adjacent canal looked attractive they were reported to be infested with
the bilharzia worm and bathing was forbidden.
The last day of January was spent in brigade work in close formation.
This was not quite a success and, beyond traversing a considerable area
of ground and raising a great deal of dust and sweat, secured little
result. On the following day an exercise in the brigade in defence, and
the occupation of a position by night, were more practical and
interesting.
About this time it was decided, owing to the increasing number of Turks
in the Sinai Peninsula, to strengthen the defences of the Suez Canal.
The orders which followed directed that the 1st and 2nd Divisions should
cross the waterway and establish a new line of defence in the desert on
the east side. The 8th Brigade was to be relieved.
On the evening of the 3rd February, the Battalion, now 17 officers and
891 other ranks strong, climbed into a rake of trucks and was hauled
down to Ismailia--a journey of some 30 odd miles. Detraining at Moascar,
on the west side of the town, a march of some four miles, along a
first-class road, brought the 28th to the bank of the Suez Canal. A
crossing was effected by means of a pontoon bridge constructed by the
Engineers. As the east bank was reached, Signaller Yeldon was heard to
exclaim in tones of great satisfaction, "Well, this is another bally
country I can say I've been in." The march continued for another mile to
a camp (Staging Camp) in which the remainder of the Brigade was already
assembled.
For the comparative ease and order with which this move was carried out,
the Battalion was specially mentioned by the Divisional Commander. Some
two months later, on the return march, General Legge held up the
discipline of the 28th Battalion to the rest of the units in the
Division as an example for them to follow. This is not to imply that the
marches were enjoyed by anybody. No march with full equipment up ever
is, and when dust and heat are added to weight and distance, there is
little reason to rejoice.
The 7th Brigade was now a reserve for the 5th and 6th Brigades. A
reconnaissance of the route to the front line was therefore made. A
military road under construction had already run some miles out into the
desert. On this were working numerous gangs of Egyptian labourers and
many strings of camels. These animals in this part of the country seemed
to be as numerous as cattle in Australia.[Q] Quarries had been opened at
the few places near by. A pipe to carry water to the advanced positions
was also being laid alongside the road at the rate of over a mile a day.
The desert is almost pure sand, and very trying for man and beast.
Numerous hills, some of which are over 300 feet high, make the going
difficult. The summits of these hills present a razor-like edge, and the
wind keeps the sand continuously in motion in the form of a miniature
cascade stretching along the whole of the crest.
The line occupied by the troops was some 12,000 yards out from the
Canal. Trenches, heavily revetted with sandbags and protected by barbed
wire, had been dug and were thinly manned, the main portions of the
garrisons being sheltered in tents pitched in convenient hollows. Here
the Australians led a dolorous existence, without even the distraction
of shell fire or an adjacent enemy. Away out in front detachments
mounted on camels, and an occasional aeroplane, looked for signs of a
Turkish approach.
The 28th did not remain long at Staging Camp. On the 6th February it
moved back to the Canal bank near the crossing point--Ferry Post--and
took over from the 30th Battalion the duties connected with the inner
defences at this part.
The defences consisted of a bridgehead system, the earthworks of which
had been constructed in the spoil taken out during the excavation and
dredging of the Canal. The southern flank rested on the shore of Lake
Timsah, whilst the northern flank terminated on the Canal bank some two
miles above Ferry Post. At this extremity of the line "A" Company was
located and had, with the support of the Machine Gun Section, to
garrison two posts named Bench Mark and Ridge Post. Here they led a life
of comparative ease. At night time the trenches were thinly manned, and
at all times a guard was maintained on a neighbouring dredge. But for
the rest, bathing and fishing were the main diversions of Captain
Macrae's men. A small pontoon, left by the Turks twelve months earlier,
was on charge to the post. There was also considerable interest evinced
in the passing vessels--feluccas and barges carrying stone and stores
to Ferry Post, transports, and steamers bound for or returning from
Australia. With these last news was exchanged _viva voce_, and
passengers sometimes threw ashore tins of cigarettes, tobacco, and
chocolates.
[Illustration: THE AUSTRALIAN POSITION IN DEFENCE OF THE SUEZ CANAL, 1916.
_Map by Australian War Museum._]
Attached to the 28th was a section of the Hongkong-Singapore Royal
Garrison Artillery, manned by Sikhs, and a detachment of the Bikanir
Camel Corps--a force composed of the subjects of India, which had been
raised and was maintained in the field by the Maharajah of that State.
An additional force was the Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train, under
Captain Bracegirdle, which had been present at Suvla Bay and marched
into Ferry Post a few days after the 2nd Division arrived in the
vicinity. This unit was to assist in the management of the bridge and
ferry traffic.
The Battalion was accommodated partly in tents and partly in wooden
rush-roofed huts. Its duties were many. Training was almost impossible.
A guard had to be furnished for a large Ordnance Depôt located on the
west bank. Men had to be found to work the ferry on which, when the
pontoon bridge was drawn back, troops and horses were hauled across the
Canal. Police to regulate the traffic over the bridge and maintain a
check on the passes, without which no person was allowed to cross the
waterway. Then again, the natives who fished the lake were not allowed
to ply their trade except with a written permit and the presence in the
boat of a soldier. This escort duty was not unpopular, for the reason
that nearly every man who performed it returned to camp with several
pounds' weight of excellent fish.
But the foregoing were the light duties. Others, more arduous, were
attached to the handling of the hundreds of tons of supplies which were
daily dumped on the wharf at Ferry Post and taken away to the forward
area by horse wagons. On Gallipoli the soldier became also a navvy. At
Ferry Post he was changed into a wharf labourer. Few who were there will
forget the task of handling the iron water mains which had to be cleared
from the barges, without the aid of cranes, and which ruined the
clothing by contact with the tar with which they were covered. Then
again, the adjacent dump absorbed many men, and what clothing the pipes
had failed to destroy was dealt with in moving coils of barbed wire and
other material equally destructive. A light railway had been commenced
for the purpose of supplying the front line with its needs. Here once
more the Western Australian found his services in demand and he went
along to do work which the native labourers could not be trusted with.
Through it all he "groused," but he applied himself earnestly to the
task in hand and seriously complained only about his spoiled clothes.
One Engineer officer said he had never had men who had worked so hard
and effectively.
At the Headquarters of the Battalion was established an Examining Post.
Through this passed numerous secret service agents employed by Army
Headquarters for the purpose of gaining information within the enemy
lines. Fierce-looking ruffians some of them were, and they responded
none too willingly to the few questions put to them through the Syrian
interpreter--a graduate of an American college at Beyrout--attached to
the Post.
Traffic through the Canal was dependent to some extent also upon
Battalion Headquarters. As has already been mentioned in an earlier
chapter, one ship had been mined. Other mines had been located, and
proof existed that enemy agents, under cover of darkness, were
endeavouring to block the waterway. One method utilised to counter these
measures was to sweep a track along the sand of the eastern bank. By
means of a horse harnessed to logs and other material this was done
daily before nightfall. At dawn patrols would examine the swept area,
and if tracks of man or beast crossed it at any point these would be
closely followed until their origin and purport had been explained.
Reports were then sent to the Adjutant, and by 8 a.m. an "all clear"
message went forward to Army Headquarters, which, in turn, informed the
Canal officials that traffic could proceed without risk. Should, by any
chance, this report be delayed the effect at Army Headquarters was
remarkable, and the life of the responsible people at Ferry Post very
unenviable for the next few hours.
The Canal at Ferry Post was some 70 yards wide, and the depth believed
to be something over 30 feet. Just below the ferry the water ran into
Lake Timsah, which was irregular in form and measured about three miles
from side to side. In this lake a few vessels were anchored, some of
them being men-of-war--French and British--as auxiliary to the defence.
On the bank opposite Ferry Post is a rocky plateau, upon which was a
convent, or monastery, and some buildings used by the management of the
Canal. Here, during February, Sir Archibald Murray established his
headquarters.
The town of Ismailia is situated near the north-western edge of the
lake, and in 1916 contained about 12,000 inhabitants, one-fourth of
which were foreigners, mostly French and Italians. The Australians found
the place quite attractive, taking especial delight in the gardens, some
of which contained the familiar bougainvillæa in full bloom, and in the
shade afforded by the fine avenues of lebboks and magnolias. The native
bazaar attracted those who had money to spend on local manufactures;
whilst a very fine clubhouse afforded means for rest and refreshment to
those officers whom leave or duty brought across the Canal.
[Illustration: FERRY POST.
Showing the Suez Canal where it enters Lake Timsah.
Ismailia in the distance.
_Photo. lent by Mr. Yeldon._]
[Illustration: FERRY POST.
The landing place on the East bank. General Legge waiting for the
High Commissioner.]
At varying times during the 24 hours vessels passed north and south
along the waterway. Freighters, transports bringing reinforcements from
Australia (including the 8th/28th), or troops to augment the army in
Mesopotamia, and well known mail steamers such as the "Osterley," all
came into view and in a few minutes travelled beyond. Often news was
exchanged with those on shore and sometimes occurred the mutual
recognition of friends. At night time sleepers, awakened by the flash of
a search light in their faces, sat up and observed the approach of the
larger craft, with the assistance of powerful arc lights affixed to
their bows, cautiously navigating the channels.
From the foregoing description of the life and environment of those who
dwelt at Ferry Post, it may be gathered that, although their daily lot
was a hard one, it was sufficiently full of incident to banish monotony.
Without such incident existence would have been intolerable. Nature
herself seemed to be almost somnolent in these parts, for, besides a few
chameleon-like lizards, a stray jackal or hawk, and a plentiful supply
of small black beetles which stood on their heads when interfered with,
all other forms of life were absent. Even vegetation was reduced to a
few rushes and a very occasional stunted bush.
At Tel-el-Kebir an increase in the popularity of gambling had been
noted. Greater leisure and consequent opportunity probably accounted for
this. At night time, when training was not in progress, numerous knots
of men could be observed between the rear of the camp and the railway
line gathered around two or three candles stuck in the ground. There
"House" and some of the unlawful games were played with relatively high
stakes. The military and regimental police broke up some of these
"schools," but this action had, apparently, no deterrent effect. After
the move to Ferry Post the craze became even greater. A favourite haunt
of the gamblers was on the ramparts of those parts of the defences which
were not occupied by posts. There after dark some hundreds of men would
assemble--the illuminations spreading for half a mile down towards Lake
Timsah. The authorities took action. Raids were made, plants
confiscated, and some of the offenders punished. At other times the
judiciously circulated rumour of an intended raid also had a desirable
effect and the ramparts that night would be deserted. On the whole the
spread of the evil was arrested but, as in civil communities, it was
never possible to completely eradicate it.
Despite the severer conditions, the health of the Battalion was not
materially affected during the month of February. There was a slight
increase in the number sent to hospital--the total reading one officer
and 73 other ranks. Unfortunately two deaths from disease occurred,
and with the loss of Company Sergt.-Major R. Wolstenholm and Private E.
M. Edwards, Australia was deprived of two very promising and popular
soldiers. Cerebro-spinal meningitis was reported to have broken out in
Australia and, despite the precautions taken, a few cases made their
appearance on the Canal. As a preventive against the threatened
epidemic, the Regimental Medical Officer caused each company to parade
daily and indulge in a little gargling exercise with a mouthful of
Condy's fluid.
[Illustration: THE CAMP OF THE 28TH AT FERRY POST.
Lake Timsah in the background.]
[Illustration: THE SUEZ CANAL.
A liner in the fairway and feluccas tied up to the banks.]
The proximity of Army Headquarters and Corps Headquarters (at Ismailia)
led to fairly frequent visits from Generals Murray, Birdwood, and
Godley, and their staffs. Other visitors were Sir Arthur Henry McMahon,
the High Commissioner for Egypt, accompanied by Lady McMahon and members
of the family. On one occasion the Commander-in-Chief was escorted by a
number of frock-coated gentlemen, wearing tarbooshes, who constituted
some of the "notables" of Egypt and had been invited to witness a
display by the Air Service of the Army.
FOOTNOTES:
[Q] It was reported that 50,000 camels were requisitioned for the
operations in the Sinai Peninsula.
CHAPTER XII.
PREPARING FOR FRANCE.
Early in 1916 the Australian Government decided to raise and maintain
three new Divisions of the Australian Imperial Force. One of these--the
3rd--was to be recruited in Australia and the other two--4th and
5th--found from _personnel_ available in Egypt. By this decision
Australia was committed to providing, straight off, a new formation of
20,000 men and, in addition, to increasing her monthly flow of
reinforcements by 150 per cent., in order to adequately maintain the
five divisions in the field.
When the 1st and 2nd Divisions moved down to the east bank of the Suez
Canal, the 4th and 8th Brigades were taken back to Tel-el-Kebir camp to
form the nuclei of the 4th and 5th Divisions, respectively. As a means
of preserving the admirable spirit of the A.I.F., and also to ensure a
backing of trained and experienced _personnel_, 50 per cent. of the new
infantry brigades, technical and departmental units, was secured by
splitting up the four original infantry brigades and their attendant
auxiliaries. The balance was furnished from the accumulating
reinforcements at the training camps, near Zeitun. By this means, the
two original Western Australian Battalions--11th and 16th--became the
parent units of the 51st and 48th Battalions, respectively.
Following on this very important addition to the forces, the A.I.F. was
now divided into two Corps. General Birdwood remained in supreme
command, but personally directed the operations of the 1st Anzac Corps,
whilst to General Godley fell the 4th and 5th Divisions which, added to
his own New Zealanders, formed the 2nd Anzac Corps. The main body of the
Light Horse became a separate Division under the command of
Major-General H. G. Chauvel.
In consequence of the necessity for filling up the ranks of the new
formations, a goodly portion of the body of reinforcements--officers and
others--intended for the 28th Battalion was diverted to the 51st
Battalion.
Following on the action taken in regard to the creation of the new
Divisions, steps were taken to form several new units. These included a
Cyclist Battalion for the Corps, a Pioneer Battalion for each Division,
and a Machine Gun Company for each Brigade. Heavy calls were made on the
infantry to man these, and the transfers which ensued made serious gaps
in the ranks of the 28th. Lieut. J. J. S. Scouler, the Signalling
Officer, was selected to command a company of the Cyclists and secured
his third star. Lieut. G. D. Shaw and 2nd Lieut. A. M. Hope went to the
2nd Pioneers and were accompanied by many well tried N.C.Os. and men.
To the Machine Gun Company Lieuts. T. O. Nicholls and C. R. Field went
together with the whole of the Machine Gun Section, which had done such
sterling work on Gallipoli. For the future, in order to ensure a
tactical use more in keeping with their fire power, machine guns were to
be grouped under the Brigade Commander. Their place with the Battalion
was taken by two Lewis Guns--an automatic rifle and a new weapon. These
were given into the care of 2nd Lieut. F. Sears who, with a newly formed
Section, was sent to attend a School of Instruction in that arm.
In connection with the new formations, Major C. R. Davies was selected
for promotion, and on the 28th February left Ferry Post to take over the
command of the 58th Battalion.
Towards the end of February some modifications were made in the
establishments of the infantry battalions. For reasons unknown,
provision for Signalling and Transport Officers was omitted and the
duties had henceforth--until some time after arrival in France--to be
carried on by subaltern officers taken away from their platoons.
Further changes in the Battalion were necessitated by the attachment to
Brigade Headquarters of Lieut. N. W. Sundercombe, as Brigade Bombing
Officer, and Lieut. G. A. Read, as a Staff Trainee. The necessary
adjustments were made. Major A. W. Leane became second in command, and
was succeeded in "C" Company by Captain A. S. Isaac. Lieut. C. M. Foss
took up the duties of Adjutant. 2nd Lieut. R. G. Sexty remained in
charge of the Transport, whilst the Signallers were supervised by Lieut.
A. E. C. Gepp--a Duntroon graduate, who was posted to the Western
Australians at this stage. The remaining vacancies for officers were
filled by the promotion of Sergt. A. Brown, whose good work on Gallipoli
had brought him especially under notice, Company Sergeants-Major B. A.
Bell, J. McIntyre, and Sergt. H. C. King.
About the middle of February, the General Staff seemed to have formed
the opinion that the situation in regard to the Canal no longer gave
cause for anxiety. The strength of the forces available for its defence,
the backward condition of the enemy preparations, the route of the
Senussi's army, and the approach of summer, all pointed to the
improbability of active operations for at least some months to come. At
this time also Sir Archibald Murray, in an official document, referred
to the A.I.F. as the "Imperial Strategical Reserve." Those persons who
grasped the meaning of this phrase expected early developments, and the
various foreign theatres again came under discussion. Nor were
indications as to the new field of service long in coming. The
institution of a certain type of tactical exercise; the overhauling of
gas helmets and the constant practice in wearing them; lecturettes on
the tactics and weight of metal of the German artillery; and leaflets
describing the rank, badges, and saluting habits of one of our Allies,
all pointed to an early departure for the Western Front. Following on
these things came a complete change of rifles--the new ones firing mark
VII. ammunition, which gave a flat trajectory for a longer distance than
the earlier mark--and instructions to study the regulations regarding
the transport of troops by sea.
[Illustration: PRIVATE H. A. FRANCO, M.M.
A well-known member of the Battalion, who died of illness in
France on 16th February, 1918.
_Photo. lent by Mr. S. Jones._]
[Illustration: THE PIONEER-SERGEANT AT WORK.
Sergeant J. W. Anderson.]
Before any move took place the A.I.F. indulged in a little
introspection. Considering the size to which the Force had grown it was
inevitable that some proportion of undesirables must exist in its ranks.
Nor is this to be wondered at when it is remembered that in certain
cities in Australia magistrates released well known criminals from
custody on their undertaking to enlist. The majority of these men had no
intention of fighting, and when they eventually joined their units were
the cause of endless trouble. In their nefarious operations they were
not easily detected, but evidence of their handiwork was forthcoming
from the police, who received complaints of serious assaults and
robberies from the villages around Tel-el-Kebir and on the route to
Cairo. In cases where arrests were made it was sometimes not difficult
for the prisoner to escape from his captors and then the search for him
began anew. Later, when the main body of the A.I.F. had officially
departed from Egypt, a party had to be left behind to clear up the
situation caused by the presence of these individuals in the native
community.
The 28th was not altogether free from characters of this sort. On the
eve of embarkation for Gallipoli a man was missed from his company. His
absence was duly reported in the proper quarter, but nothing more was
seen of him by his officers until January, 1916, when he marched into
the camp at Lemnos with other details. He remained with the Battalion
until the rumours of the Turkish advance began the preparations for the
move to the Canal. Once more he vanished, and just prior to the
embarkation for France information was received that he had been seen
near the Pyramids, dressed as a Light Horseman, armed with a revolver,
conducting a "two-up" school. The next indications of his whereabouts
came from Etaples, about the middle of 1917. From there he was sent to
England suffering from _debility_! He did not return to Australia.
Another original member of the Battalion, whose appearance and demeanour
gave a fair indication of his capabilities, could never be
satisfactorily brought to book. After the first action at Pozieres he
joined the stream of men returning to Sausage Valley, but the contrast
between him and those who had taken part in that heroic fight was so
marked as to make it fairly safe to say where he _had not_ been during
those trying hours. Some months later he was found walking down
Piccadilly arrayed in a frock coat and top hat. He retired to Lewes for
a term, was placed on board a transport after the Armistice, but got
ashore at Cape Town and, it is hoped, has not troubled Australia since.
One or two other similar types joined the Battalion later in the war and
their records varied but slightly.
It was the type of men indicated in the foregoing that neither General
Birdwood nor the A.I.F. desired should accompany the troops to France.
In order to be rid of them, instructions were issued that all
"undesirables" were to be returned to Australia. Unfortunately, in the
2nd Division, it was soon found that the C.Os. were not considered to be
good judges as to who were the vicious characters. A call was made for
the records of the men, and from those who had the greatest number of
entries in their "conduct sheets" the selection was made. This was
greatly deplored, for the reason that many men who were frequent
offenders in a minor way were excellent soldiers in the line. On the
other hand, the real undesirable was sufficiently astute to keep free
from ordinary military "crime." Nevertheless, his presence in the ranks
was a continual menace to the preservation of order and to the peace and
property of individuals. Experience later proved that to the failure to
thoroughly clear up the situation whilst in Egypt, and to the inability
of certain officials in Australia to recognise that the good name of
Australia's volunteer army required to be jealously guarded, may be
attributed many of the troubles and prejudices which hampered the Force
during the remainder of the war and were so costly to the taxpayer.
There were other men whose services it seemed unwise to retain. A few
existed in every unit. They were constitutionally unfit for active
service and, whilst not requiring medical treatment, were unlikely ever
to become fit. It was useless evacuating them to hospital because they
always turned up again in a few days or weeks marked "Fit." To deal with
them a Medical Board, composed of experienced officers, was assembled.
After an examination of the individual, the Board recorded its opinion
and, if it was adverse, he was sent down the Line of Communication
either for return to Australia or for employment as a "B. Class" man.
During the first week in March the camp at Ferry Post began to get
uncomfortable. The heat was increasing and the desert winds brought the
"khamsin" or duststorms. For hours on end the air would be laden with
the flying sand which got over and into every object in its path. Early
one morning 500 men of the Battalion were called out and, armed with
shovels, proceeded to uncover the railway track which had been
completely submerged during the night.
The "move" commenced on the 5th March. On this date Brigade Headquarters
and three battalions marched back to Moascar where a divisional camp
existed. From that date for several days there was a continuous stream
of troops crossing the pontoon bridge. After a lapse of several months
the New Zealanders were encountered again as they came over to the east
bank to relieve the 2nd Australian Division.
On the 8th March the 28th joined the rest of the Brigade after a rather
trying march in great heat--the last portion being through heavy sand.
It was directed that before embarkation all troops were to be
reinoculated against paratyphoid. This unpopular action was duly taken.
By the addition of reinforcements, which had dribbled in, together with
officers and other ranks returning from hospital, the strength of the
Battalion had been brought up to near the authorised establishment. The
last draft marched in on the day before departure for Alexandria.
Transport vehicles and bicycles were not to be taken overseas and were
transferred to the charge of the New Zealanders.
These preparations took up several days, during which very little
training could be carried on. On the evening of the 13th March the
Brigade assembled and was addressed by General Birdwood. His principal
theme was Australia's good name and Lord Kitchener's message to the
British Expeditionary Force on embarkation in August, 1914. Later
General Godley rode into camp to say good-bye and wish good luck to
those who had served under him on Gallipoli.
The Transport Officer, together with 25 other ranks and the 56 horses of
the Battalion, boarded a train near midnight on the 13th, journeyed to
Alexandria, and next day embarked on H.M.T. "Minneapolis," which left
the harbour early in the morning of the 15th. This last date witnessed
the main body of the 28th, climbing on to open trucks at Moascar siding.
From 10 p.m. until next morning the train rumbled and jolted through the
night. The air was cold but the single blanket, now the sole covering
for the soldier, was reinforced by the heat generated by the crowded
condition of the trucks. At Tel-el-Kebir there was a brief halt. Here
three reinforcement officers, Lieut. R. S. Browne, and 2nd Lieuts. J.
Roydhouse and R. H. Gill, reported and were carried on.
Arriving at a wharf at 6.30 a.m., some little delay ensued before the
men could file on to the Transport. Besides the 28th Battalion there
were to be accommodated 1-1/2 Companies of the 27th Battalion (Major F. R.
Jeffrey), and the 2nd Divisional Signal Company (Major R. H. Goold,
M.C.). Later in the day Major-General Legge and the Divisional
Headquarters were added to the number, making a total complement of 53
officers and 1,533 other ranks. Travelling as a passenger was
Major-General W. G. B. Western, who had recently commanded the troops on
Lemnos Island.
The Battalion now found itself on the most comfortable ship that, so
far, it had been its lot to travel by. Bearing the number "A32," the
Transport was the Aberdeen liner "Themistocles," of some 11,000 tons.
The voyage commenced that evening. The usual precautions against fire
and submarines were observed. Life belts were always in evidence, and
boat stations practised daily. All lights were covered at night. The
weather proved to be ideal and the look of content on every soldier's
face gave indication of how the change of life, scene, and air was
appreciated.
A modified form of training was carried on--prominence being given to
anti-gas measures and trench routine and discipline.
During the morning of Sunday, the 19th March, the rather violent
"zig-zagging" of the ship gave an indication of the presence of hostile
submarines. There were, however, no visible signs of their presence, and
it was not until later in the day that the information as to another
ship having been torpedoed, not many miles away, was passed down by the
ship's staff.
[Illustration: THE 2ND DIVISION CROSSING THE CANAL _EN ROUTE_ TO
EUROPE, MARCH, 1916.
_Photo. lent by Mr. Yeldon._]
[Illustration: THE "THEMISTOCLES" AT ALEXANDRIA.
The 28th waiting to embark, 16th March, 1916.
_Photo. lent by Mr. Yeldon._]
Having passed around the north side of Crete the ship, during the
afternoon of this same day, arrived off Malta. Her engines were
stopped for a while and those on the decks had a brief glimpse of the
narrow entrance to the Grand Harbour, the heavy fortifications whose
walls seemed to run down into the sea, and, beyond, the steep slopes,
upon which the picturesque city of Valetta is built. A few naval vessels
were within sight of the Transport. A wicked looking submarine and a
French torpedo boat passed close by.
Receiving fresh instructions as to the route to be followed, the
"Themistocles" resumed her course and, passing through the Malta
Channel, entered the Sicilian Sea. The Italian possession of Pantellaria
Island was sighted and also the elevated headland of Cape Bon on the
Tunisian coast. Skirting the western shores of Sardinia and Corsica, the
French coast east of Toulon came into view on the morning of the 21st
March. Little could be seen of the great naval base, but as the
Transport headed north-west, a short lapse of time revealed Marseilles,
France's most ancient city, lying within its circle of verdured hills.
Proceeding under slow steam towards a precipitous islet, which with its
castle was recognised by some as the Isle d'If, made famous by Dumas'
"Count of Monte Cristo," a hail was received from a picket boat, which
came racing out from the direction of the shore. In response, the
Transport changed her course abruptly, as it seemed she had been on the
verge of entering a mine field.
As the harbour was entered all eyes were agaze at this first contact
with the civilisation of the Old World. Comments were made on the
obvious fertility of the soil, on the apparent prosperity of the
community, and on the magnitude of the engineering undertakings, as
disclosed by the many docks and their machinery.
A closer approach to the shore revealed sentries posted here and there.
These were old gentlemen in battered képis, long coats and baggy
trousers, armed with rifles, which were capped by bayonets of an
inordinate length. The 28th Band, which had been revived at Ferry Post,
came into action and did its best with the "Marseillaise." This was
responded to from the wharves, where a number of women and a few men had
assembled to see the new arrivals. "Vivas" for France and Australia were
exchanged and some of the members of the Battalion let go what they
recollected of their schooldays' French.
_At 3.30 p.m. the voyage came to an end._
[Illustration]
Appendix A.
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE.
LIST OF UNITS RAISED AND RECRUITED BY WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
(_Compiled from information supplied by the Defence Department._)
Australian Flying Corps.*
10th Light Horse Regiment.
36th (Australian) Heavy Artillery Group.*
8th Battery, 3rd Field Artillery Brigade.
1st Divisional Ammunition Column.*
3rd Field Company, Engineers.*
6th Field Company, Engineers.*
1st Divisional Signal Company.*
3rd Divisional Signal Company.*
Australian and New Zealand Wireless Signal Squadron.*
3rd Light Railway Operating Company.
4th Broad Gauge Railway Operating Company.*
3rd Mining Battalion.*
6th Tunnelling Company.
11th Infantry Battalion.
12th Infantry Battalion (one company).
16th Infantry Battalion (part from South Australia).
28th Infantry Battalion.
32nd Infantry Battalion (two companies).
44th Infantry Battalion.
51st Infantry Battalion (organised in Egypt).
3rd Pioneer Battalion.*
4th Company Army Service Corps.*
16th Company Army Service Corps.
2nd Depôt Unit of Supply.
7th Depôt Unit of Supply.
4th Squadron Australian Remount Unit.
4th Field Ambulance.*
2nd Australian Stationary Hospital.
*Part only.
Appendix B.
=Roll of Honour.=
(_Those who died between the 16th April, 1915,
and the 21st March, 1916._)
_AVE ATQUE VALE._
Hail and farewell! the laurels with the dust
Are levelled, but thou hast thy sure crown,
Peace and immortal calm, the victory won.
Somewhere serene thy watchful power inspires,
Thou art a living purpose, being dead,
Fruitful of nobleness in lesser lives,
A guardian and a guide; Hail and farewell!
_Taken from an "In Memoriam" to the late General
Sir F. Stanley Maude, the Conqueror of Mesopotamia._
206 Private Alexander, D. Died of wounds, Gallipoli 26-9-15
558 " Archibald, G. A. Died of wounds, Malta 3-10-15
562 Sergeant Ball, F. W. Killed in action, Gallipoli 14-9-15
1016 Private Barnsley, W. Killed in action, Gallipoli 3-10-15
1117 " Barrie, A. Died of wounds, Malta 10-10-15
565 L/Corpl. Bateman, W. H. Killed in action, Gallipoli 8-12-15
397 Private Burge, W. Killed in action, Gallipoli 19-9-15
950 " Burvill, H. H. Killed in action, Gallipoli 14-9-15
599 " Butt, E. Killed in action, Gallipoli 7-10-15
238 " Colgate, O. Killed in action, Gallipoli 16-9-15
35 " Coll, J. Died of illness, at sea 25-9-15
403 " Connor, E. Died of illness, Malta 7-11-15
264 " Copley, N. Died of illness, at sea 1-11-15
826 " Cunningham, D. W. Died of wounds, Gallipoli 24-11-15
254 " Curwen, F. E. Died of wounds, Gallipoli 21-9-15
1100 " Dale, G. F. Killed in action, Gallipoli 19-9-15
272 " Delaporte, R. Killed in action, Gallipoli 16-9-15
1193 " Duff, R. Killed in action, Gallipoli 26-9-15
989 " Earl, A. Killed in action, Gallipoli 22-9-15
1532 " Edwards, E. M. Died of illness, Egypt 12-2-16
1711 " Gleeson, S. J. Killed in action, Gallipoli 15-10-15
985 " Gresham, J. D. Died of illness, Egypt 22-11-15
1545 " Hallam, E. J. Died of illness, at sea 24-10-15
1153 Corporal Hawley, C. K. Died of wounds, Gallipoli 23-9-15
954 Private Height, H. L. Died of wounds, Gallipoli 14-9-15
861 " Hodder, G. Killed in action, Gallipoli 2-12-15
308 Sergeant Hodgson, J. Killed in action, Gallipoli 22-9-15
444 Private Hopkins, F. W. Accidentally drowned, 16-5-15
Blackboy Hill
298 " Horrocks, E. J. Died of wounds, Gallipoli 18-9-15
299 Corporal Hyde, W. Died of wounds, at sea 18-9-15
306 Private Hynes, N. Died of wounds, Gallipoli 6-11-15
Lieut. Jensen, F. E. Died of wounds, Gallipoli 13-9-15
887 Corporal Kennon, A. Killed in action, Gallipoli 5-10-15
107 Private Knapp, J. L. Died of illness, Egypt 12-11-15
1208 " Lee, G. C. Died of illness, England 31-10-15
1122 " McGill, W. P. Killed in action, Gallipoli 22-9-15
660 " Mackay, D. McK. Died of wounds, Gallipoli 26-9-15
744 " McKenzie, A. Died of wounds, Gallipoli 30-11-15
994 " McNamara, J. Died of wounds, Gallipoli 3-10-15
Captain Menz, H. B. Died of illness, Egypt 27-11-15
124 Private Merrick, J. Killed in action, Gallipoli 30-9-15
1557 Corporal Morrow, E. Killed in action, Gallipoli 16-12-15
1111 Private Munro, N. A. Killed in action, Gallipoli 16-12-15
496 Sergeant Pead, S. W. Died of wounds, at sea 22-9-15
371 Corporal Quick, J. K. Died of illness, Egypt 14-8-15
1578 Private Rainsden, A. Drowned at sea 6-10-15
584 " Reen, C. F. Killed in action, Gallipoli 11-10-15
1576 L/Corpl. Roy, J. H. Died of wounds, Egypt 28-11-15
Lieut. Ruddock, H. E. C. Died of illness, Egypt 22-11-15
1775 Private Saunders, J. Died of illness, Egypt 18-2-16
517 " Shenfield, E. A. Killed in action, Gallipoli 22-9-15
524 " Snudden, A. Killed in action, Gallipoli 14-9-15
722 " Wilson, A. Died of wounds, Gallipoli 12-10-15
783 Coy.Sgt.- Wolstenholme, R. Died of illness, Egypt 24-2-16
Major
727 Private Wright, F. Died of wounds, Malta 28-11-15
This be their epitaph: "Traveller, south or west,
Go, say at home we heard the trumpet call,
And answered. Now beside the sea we rest.
Our end was happy if our country thrives:
Much was demanded. Lo! our store was small--
That which we had we gave--it was our lives."
_"L.L." in the "Anzac Book."_
Appendix C.
CASUALTIES OF THE 28TH BATTALION, A.I.F., WHILST WITH THE
MEDITERRANEAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.
(_Note.--On arrival at Marseilles the Battalion passed to the
British Expeditionary Force._)
-----------------------+------------+---------+-------------------
| | |
| | Other | Total.
| Officers. | Ranks. |-----------+-------
| | | | Other
| | | Officers. | Ranks.
-----------------------+------------+---------+-----------+-------
Killed in action | | 22 | |
Died of wounds | 1 | 17 | |
Died of disease | 2 | 11 | |
Died from other causes | | 2 | |
|------------+---------| |
Total deaths | | | 3 | 52
| | | |
Wounded in action | 2 | 82 | |
Prisoners of War | | | |
|------------+---------| |
Total wounded and | | | |
prisoners of war | | | 2 | 82
Evacuated sick (from | | | |
Peninsula only) | | | 9 | 346
| | |-----------+-------
Total Casualties | | | 14 | 480
-----------------------+------------+---------+-----------+-------
Appendix D.
ROLL OF ORIGINAL OFFICERS OF THE 28TH BATTALION,
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE.
-----------------+-----------+-------------+-------------------------------
Appointment. | Rank. | Name. | Memoranda.
-----------------+-----------+-------------+-------------------------------
Commanding |Lt.-Colonel|Collett, |Commanded Battn. 23/4/1915 to
Officer | | H. B. |29/7/1916 (severely wounded),
| | |and from 13/10/1917 to
| | |22/3/1918. Transferred to
| | |General List. Mentioned in
| | |Despatches. Promoted Colonel.
| | |_C.M.G._, _D.S.O._ Mentioned by
| | |the Secretary of State for War.
| | |Promoted Brevet Colonel,
| | |Australian Military Forces, for
| | |"special meritorious service."
Second-in-Command|Major |Davies, C. R.|Transferred to 58th Battn.,
| | |1916. Promoted Lt.-Colonel.
| | |_O.B.E._ Previously served
| | |in the South African War,
| | |1901-1902.
Adjutant |Captain |Lamb, C. H. |Invalided 1915. Returned with
| | |44th Battn., 1916. Wounded.
| | |Promoted Major _M.C._
Quartermaster |Hon. Lieut.|Dunn, R. |Resigned Commission, 1915.
Signalling |2nd Lieut. |Scouler, |Transferred to Australian
Officer | | J. J. S. |Cyclist Battalion, March 1916.
| | |Promoted Captain. French _Croix
| | |de Guerre_.
Transport | |Graham, T. D.|Seconded with Imperial Camel
Officer | | |Corps, Jan., 1916. Transferred
| | |to 4th Pioneer Battn., 1916.
| | |Promoted Captain and Adjutant.
| | |Killed in action. Belgium
| | |2/10/1917.
Machine Gun |2nd Lieut. |Shaw, G. D. |Transferred to 2nd Pioneer
Officer | | |Battn., 1916. Wounded on two
| | |occasions. Mentioned in
| | |Despatches. Promoted Captain.
| | |_M.C._
| | |
"A" COMPANY. | | |
| | |
Officer |Major |Wilson, |Invalided 12/11/1915.
Commanding | | J. A. C. |
2nd-in-Command |Captain |Montgomery, |Invalided 1915. Returned from
| | A. M. P. |Australia with Reinforcements
| | |1916, and rejoined, 1917.
| | |Severely wounded, 1917, and
| | |again invalided.
O.C. No. 1 |Lieutenant |Davey, A. H. |Promoted Captain. Invalided
Platoon | | |1916.
O.C. No. 2 |2nd Lieut. |Pugh, C. H. |Wounded. Promoted Captain.
Platoon | | |
O.C. No. 3 |2nd Lieut. |Denson, H. R.|Seconded with Imperial Camel
Platoon | | |Corps, Jan., 1916. Thence
| | |transferred to 14th Light
| | |Horse. Served in Sinai and
| | |Palestine with that Regiment.
| | |Promoted Major. _D.S.O._
O.C. No. 4 |2nd Lieut. |Read, G. A. |Promoted Lieut.-Colonel.
Platoon | | |Commanded Battalion from 5/1/17
| | |to 28/9/17. Severely wounded.
| | |Invalided. Thrice mentioned in
| | |Despatches. _D.S.O._
| | |Montenegrin _Order of Danilo_,
| | |5th Class.
| | |
"B" COMPANY. | | |
| | |
Officer |Major |Jeffrey, |Attached to 27th Battn.,
Commanding | | F. R. |8/6/15. Afterwards transferred
| | |to that unit. Previously served
| | |in the South African War with
| | |City Imperial Volunteers.
2nd in Command |Captain |Stroud, W. G.|Commanded "B" Company until
| | |October, 1915. Invalided.
2nd in Command |Lieut. |Jackson, |Attached from 27th Battn.,
| | P. E. |_vice_ Major Jeffrey.
| | |Promoted Captain. Died of
| | |wounds, France, 31/5/16.
O.C. No. 5 |2nd Lieut. |Ruddock, |Acting Adjutant, Oct.-Nov.,
Platoon | | H. E. C. |1915. Died of pneumonia, Egypt,
| | |22/11/15.
O.C. No. 6 |Lieut. |Gibbings, |Commanded "B" Company in 1916.
Platoon | | C. T. |Promoted Captain. Killed in
| | |action, France, 29/7/16.
O.C. No. 7 |2nd Lieut. |Hargraves, |Invalided Oct., 1915. Rejoined
Platoon | | G. A. |Sept., 1917. Wounded. Invalided
| | |Nov., 1917. Promoted Captain.
O.C. No. 8 |2nd Lieut. |Sundercombe, |Seconded to command 7th Light
Platoon | | N. W. |Trench Mortar Battery, 1916-17.
| | |Rejoined Battn., 1918.
| | |Mentioned in Despatches.
| | |Promoted Captain. _M.C._
| | |
"C" COMPANY. | | |
| | |
Officer |Major |Leane, A. W. |Commanded Battn. from 30/7/16
Commanding | | |to 4/1/17. Promoted Lieut.
| | |Colonel. Died of wounds,
| | |France, 4/1/17.
2nd-in-Command |Lieut. |Isaac, A. S. |Commanded "C" Company,
| | |March-July, 1916. Promoted
| | |Captain. Severely wounded
| | |29/7/16. Invalided.
O.C. No. 9 |2nd Lieut. |Jensen, F. E.|Died of wounds, Gallipoli,
Platoon | | |13/9/15. Previously served
| | |in the South African War.
O.C. No. 10 |2nd Lieut. |Phillips, |Promoted Captain. Twice
Platoon | | R. C. |wounded. Transferred to
| | |Australian Flying Corps, April
| | |1917. Promoted Major. _M.C.
| | |and Bar. D.F.C._
O.C. No. 11 |2nd Lieut. |Carter, L. J.|Invalided 1915.
Platoon | | |
O.C. No. 12 |2nd Lieut. |Smith, |Transferred to 47th Battn.,
Platoon | | G. A. F. |1916, and afterwards to 15th
| | |Battn. Promoted Captain.
| | |
"D" COMPANY. | | |
| | |
Officer |Major |Welch, L. B. |Killed in action, France,
Commanding | | |28/7/16.
2nd-in-Command |Captain |Menz, H. B. |Died of enteric fever, Egypt,
| | |27/11/15.
O.C. No. 13 |2nd Lieut. |Glyde, E. G. |Wounded on four occasions.
Platoon | | |Promoted Major. Belgian
| | |_Croix de Guerre_.
O.C. No. 14 |Lieut. |Macrae, N. F.|Commanded "A" Company, 1915-16.
Platoon | | |Promoted Captain. Killed in
| | |action, France, 29/7/16.
O.C. No. 15 |2nd Lieut. |Foss, C. M. |Acting Adjutant, 1916. Promoted
Platoon | | |Captain. _M.C._ Died of
| | |wounds, France, 11/8/16.
O.C. No. 16 |2nd Lieut. |Nicholls, |Transferred to 7th Machine Gun
Platoon | | T. O. |Company, 1916, and subsequently
| | |commanded that unit. Mentioned
| | |in Despatches. Promoted
| | |Captain. _M.C._ Severely
| | |wounded 4/10/17 and invalided.
| | |
ATTACHED. | | |
| | |
Medical Officer |Captain |Kenny, J. |A.A.M.C. Transferred from
| | |France to Egypt, 1917. Promoted
| | |Major.
Chaplain |4th Class |Brennan, Very|Promoted to Chaplain, 2nd
| | Rev. D. A. |Class.
-----------------+-----------+-------------+----------------------------
Appendix E.
ROLL OF OFFICERS PROMOTED FROM THE RANKS, 28TH BATTALION, A.I.F.,
BETWEEN 9TH JUNE, 1915, AND 21ST MARCH, 1916.
----+--------------+-------------+-------------+--------+------------------
Reg.| | | Promoted | |
No. | Rank. | Name. | to: | Date. | Remarks.
----+--------------+-------------+-------------+--------+------------------
1005|Regtl. |Gettingby, J.|Hon. Lieut. |26-8-15 |Invalided April,
|Sergt.-Major | |& | |1916. Promoted
| | |Quartermaster| |Honorary Captain
| | | | |on Permanent
| | | | |Supernumerary
| | | | |List, 1917.
796|Sergeant |Field, C. R. |2nd Lieut. |13-9-15 |Transferred to 7th
| | | | |Machine Gun
| | | | |Company, 1916.
| | | | |Adjutant 7th M.G.
| | | | |Bn., 1918.
| | | | |Promoted Captain.
| | | | |Twice mentioned in
| | | | |Despatches.
787|Coy. |Bell, | do. |3-11-15 |Killed in action
|Sergeant-Major| P. T. C. | | |29th July, 1916.
1000|Sergeant |Sears, F. | do. |14-11-15|Wounded. Promoted
| | | | |Lieutenant.
221| Do. |Brown, A. | do. | 8-2-16 |Wounded on two
| | | | |occasions.
| | | | |Mentioned in
| | | | |Despatches.
| | | | |Promoted Major.
| | | | |Second-in-Command
| | | | |1918. _D.S.O._,
| | | | |_M.C._
776|Regtl. |Sexty, R. G. | do. | 1-3-16 |Transport Officer,
|Quartermaster-| | | |1916-17. Mentioned
|Sgt. | | | |in Despatches.
| | | | |Promoted Captain.
| | | | |Invalided.
784|Coy. |Bell, B. A. | do. | 1-3-16 |Killed in action,
|Sergeant-Major| | | |29th July, 1916.
337|Coy. |McIntyre, J. | do. |14-3-16 |Promoted Captain
|Sergeant-Major| | | |1917. _M.C._
| | | | |Killed in action
| | | | |28th February,
| | | | |1917.
461|Sergeant |King, H. C. | do. |14-3-16 |Adjutant 1917-18.
| | | | |Mentioned in
| | | | |Despatches.
| | | | |Promoted Captain.
| | | | |Wounded. _M.C._
| | | | |Died of wounds 7th
| | | | |April, 1918.
----+--------------+-------------+-------------+--------+------------------
Appendix F.
ROLL OF REINFORCEMENT OFFICERS WHO JOINED THE 28TH BATTALION,
A.I.F., BETWEEN THE DATES 9TH JUNE, 1915, AND 21ST MARCH, 1916.
----------+--------------+--------+----------------------------------------
| | Date |
Rank. | Name. | joined.| Remarks.
----------+--------------+--------+----------------------------------------
Lieutenant|Quilty, J. F. |17-8-15 |Left in Egypt 4th September, 1915.
| | |Rejoined 24th October, 1915. Seconded
| | |with Imperial Camel Corps, Jan., 1916,
| | |and subsequently invalided.
Captain |Coleman, E. A.|11-10-15|Commanded "B" Company October, 1915,
| | |till June, 1916. Invalided.
2nd Lieut.|Hope, A. M. |1l-10-15|Transferred to 2nd Pioneer Battn., 1916.
| | |Promoted Lieutenant. Severely wounded.
Do. |Bowra, H. J. |11-11-15|Invalided 4th December, 1915.
Lieutenant|Gepp, A. E. C.|20-2-16 |Graduate of Duntroon College. T. from
| | |32nd Bn. Killed in action 5th August,
| | |1916.
Do. |Browne, R. S. |15-3-16 |Intelligence Officer, 1916. Severely
| | |wounded 23rd June, 1916. Invalided.
2nd Lieut.|Gill, R. H. |15-3-16 |Promoted Captain. _M.C._ Died of
| | |wounds 28th September, 1917.
Do. |Roydhouse, J. |15-3-16 |Adjutant 1916-17. A brigade-major
| | |1918-19. Wounded on two occasions. Twice
| | |mentioned in Despatches. Promoted
| | |Captain. _M.C._
----------+--------------+--------+----------------------------------------
Appendix G.
_Civil Occupations of Original Members of the 28th Battalion, A.I.F., who
embarked as Officers or were subsequently promoted to Commissioned Rank._
-------------------------------------------------+----------+--------------
| | Those
| Original | promoted from
Profession, Trade or Calling. | Officers.| the Ranks.
-------------------------------------------------+----------+--------------
Accountants | 4 | -
Assayers | - | 1
Bank Clerks | - | 2
Barristers | 1 | 1
Blacksmiths | - | 1
Bushmen | - | 1
Carpenters | - | 1
Civil Engineers | - | 1
Civil Servants | 4 | -
Clergymen | 1 | -
Clerks | 4 | 9
Coachmen | - | 1
Commercial Travellers | 1 | -
Dentists | 1 | -
Doctors | 1 | -
Draughtsmen | 1 | 2
Electrical Engineers | 2 | -
Engine-drivers | - | 1
Engineers | 2 | 2
Farm hands | - | 2
Farmers | 1 | 6
Fitters | - | 1
Graziers | 1 | -
Grocers | - | 1
Horse-drivers | - | 1
Indent Agents | 1 | -
Inspector, S.P.C.A. | - | 1
Insurance Inspector | 1 | -
Labourers | - | 2
Master Plumbers | 1 | -
Mechanics | - | 1
Miners | 1 | 3
Navvies | - | 1
Orchardists | 1 | 1
Painters | - | 1
Pearlers | - | 3
Policemen | - | 1
Postal Assistants | - | 1
Railway Assistants | - | 2
Sailors | 1 | 1
Salesmen | 1 | 1
School Teachers | - | 2
Sheep Overseers | - | 1
Sleeper Hewers | - | 1
Station Hands | - | 1
Station Masters | - | 1
Surveyors | 1 | 1
Tailors | - | 1
Telephone Operators | - | 1
Wool Experts | 1 | -
No occupation | 1 | 1
|----------+--------------
Total | 34 | 63
-------------------------------------------------+----------+--------------
Appendix H.
28th BATTALION, AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE
NOMINAL ROLL OF ORIGINAL MEMBERS WHO EMBARKED AT FREMANTLE
ON H.M.A.T. "A.11" ("ASCANIUS"), 9TH JUNE, 1915,
AND ON THE "BOONAH," 12TH JULY, 1915.
ABBREVIATIONS USED.
A/- Acting.
A.A.M.C. Australian Army Medical Corps.
A.A.S.C. Australian Army Service Corps.
A.A.V.C. Australian Army Veterinary Corps.
A.G.H. Australian General Hospital.
Apptd. Appointed.
Bgr. Bugler or Drummer.
Bn. Battalion.
Bty Battery.
Bty. S.M. Battery Sergeant-Major.
C.Q.M.S. Company Quarter-Master-Sergeant.
C.S.M. Company Sergeant-Major.
Cpl. Corporal.
D.A.C. Divisional Ammunition Column.
D. of Ill. Died of Illness.
D. of Wds. Died of wounds.
Div. Hqrs. Divisional Headquarters.
Div. Sig. Coy. Divisional Signal Company.
Dr. Driver.
E.R. Extra Regimental.
F.A. Field Artillery.
F.A. Bde. Field Artillery Brigade.
F. Coy. Eng. Field Company, Engineers.
Fld. Amb. Field Ambulance.
H.T.M. Bty. Heavy Trench Mortar Battery.
I.C. Corps Imperial Camel Corps.
K. in A. Killed in Action.
L.T.M. Bty. Light Trench Mortar Battery.
M. Gr. Machine Gunner.
M.G. Bn. Machine Gun Battalion.
M.G. Coy. Machine Gun Company.
M.T.M. Bty. Medium Trench Mortar Battery.
Occ. Occasion or occasions.
Pnr. Bn. Pioneer Battalion.
Prov. Provisional.
Ptd. Promoted.
Pte. Private.
R.Q.M.S. Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant.
R.S.M. Regimental Sergeant-Major.
Reg. Sig. Regimental Signaller.
Rft. Reinforcement.
Sgt. Sergeant.
St. Bearer Stretcher Bearer.
T. Transferred.
T/- Temporary.
Wdd. Wounded.
NOTES.
1. Unless otherwise stated the rank on embarkation was that of Private.
2. Where it has been possible to obtain the information, the letters
"Wdd." have been set opposite to the names of those who were wounded.
3. It has not been practicable to show who were evacuated sick. In 1915
severe illnesses accounted for the complete severance from the Battalion
of a considerable number of members.
4. Original members of detachments, are so recorded in the column headed
"Memoranda." This applies to Machine Gunners, Pioneers, Regimental
Signallers, Stretcher Bearers, and A.A.M.C. Details. Transport Drivers
and Buglers or Drummers are shown as "Dr." and "Bgr." respectively,
under the heading "Rank on Embarkation."
5. There may be errors in the various records. In the absence of direct
access to the official documents this has been almost inevitable, but
the best has been done with what data the compiler could collect from
various sources.
----+--------+--------------------+----------------------------------------
|Rank on | |
Reg.|Embarka-| |
No. | tion. | Name. | Memoranda.
----+--------+--------------------+----------------------------------------
982| |Aaltonen, E. A. |
207| |Abram, R. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1013| |Acres, J. J. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 11/8/16. Ptd.
| | |L/Sgt. Wdd. 2 occ. _M.M._
193| |Acton, W. J. |Wdd. 1915. T. to 7th F. Coy., Eng.,
| | |7/3/16. Apptd. Dr.
590| |Adams, J. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 3/3/16. Ptd. L/Cpl.
199| |Adamson, E. E. |
555| |Ahnall, K. |Apptd, 2nd Lieut., 27/12/16. Wdd.
| | |_D.C.M._ K. in A., France, 28/2/17.
1| |Ainsworth, H. J. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
206| |Alexander, D. |D. of Wds., Gallipoli, 26/9/15.
194| |Alexander, G. |D. of Wds., France, 7/11/16.
2| |Allan, J. W. |Wdd.
202| |Allanson, A. H. C. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 3/3/16. Wdd.
3| |Allen, J. B. |Ptd. L/Cpl.
975| |Allen, L. G. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 16/8/16. Ptd.
| | |Captain. Adjutant 1918. Ment. in
| | |Despatches. _M.C._
4|Dr. |Allen, P. |D. of Ill., France, 16/4/18.
557| |Allen, P. R. |Reg. Sig. T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy.,
| | |14/8/16. Wdd.
1014| |Allport, A. K. |
5| |Anderson, A. A. |
1126|Sgt. |Anderson, C. T. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn., 11/3/16. Ptd.
| | |C.S.M. Wdd.
587| |Anderson, F. R. |Wdd. T. to A. Provo. Corps, 5/4/17.
| | |Ptd. E. R. Cpl.
1184|Sgt. |Anderson, J. W. |Pioneer-Sergeant.
586|Cpl. |Anderson, W. |Ptd. Sgt. _M.M._
1106| |Andrews, G. |D. of Wds., France, 24/4/16.
497| |Angus, J. B. |Apptd. Dr., Wdd.
591| |Angus, J. C. |D. of Wds., France, 6/7/16.
589| |Annear, K. C. |Invalided to Australia, 1915. Returned
| | |and T. to 46th Bn., 31/3/16. Wdd. K. in
| | |A., France, 18/9/18.
198| |Anthony, F. T. |Ptd. L/Cpl. T. to 2nd Pnr., Bn.,
| | |11/3/16.
792|C.S.M. |Appleyard, W. S. |Ptd. R.S.M. Evacuated 1915. Rejoined
| | |Nov.,1917. T. to 11th Bn., 4/1/18.
8| |Archer, R. |Invalided to Australia, 1916. Returned
| | |and T. to 46th Bn., 12/8/17. Ptd. L/Cpl.
| | |K. in A., France, 5/4/18.
558| |Archibald, G. A. |D. of Wds., Malta, 3/10/15.
203| |Armstrong, B. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd., 1915.
941|Cpl. |Arundel, E. A. |Ptd. L/Sgt.
201| |Ashe, E. R. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn., 11/3/16. Apptd. Dr.
200| |Ashton, H. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
588| |Atkinson, S. |Ptd. L/Cpl. T. to 5th F. Coy., Eng.,
| | |18/8/15.
205| |Austin, H. |Invalided to Australia, 2/9/15.
| | |
995| |Badcock, G. L. |Wdd.
225| |Badcock, H. |Wdd., 1915. T. to A.A.M.C., 27/8/17.
560| |Baesjou, R. C. |
1015| |Bainbridge, A. J. |T. to 13th F.A. Bde., 1/4/16.
992| |Baker, B. |Wdd.
1137| |Baker, D. J. M. |
990| |Balcke, W. H. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
561| |Ball, F. |Apptd. Dr. Wdd.
562|Sgt. |Ball, F. W. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 14/9/15.
9| |Ballingall, C. T. |T. to H.T.M. Bty., 1916. Ptd. Bty. S.M.
| | |_D.C.M._
594| |Banks, R. |Wdd. K. in A., France, 26/3/17.
10| |Barbary, L. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
228| |Barge, W. |Ptd. Cpl. K. in A., France, 1/6/18.
208| |Barker, B. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 1915 and 2 occ. later.
226| |Barker, F. |Wdd. 1915.
1065| |Barnes, T. |T. to Aust. Provo. Corps, 1/1/17. Ptd.
| | |E.R. Sgt.
600| |Barnett, C. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Died of Wds., France,
| | |30/5/16.
1016| |Barnsley, W. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 3/10/15.
1117| |Barrie, A. |D. of Wds., Malta, 10/10/15.
598| |Barter, G. M. |Ptd. Sgt.
219| |Bartlett, W. |Wdd.
209| |Barton, T. C. |
227| |Barun, J. |Wdd.
563| |Basford, T. R. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
564|Cpl. |Bateman, H. P. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 30/6/16. K. in A.,
| | |France, 5/8/16.
565| |Bateman, W. H. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., Gallipoli,
| | |8/12/15.
394| |Batley, A. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 1915. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
11| |Bear, E. |Apptd. Dr. T. to 5th F. Coy. Eng.,
| | |18/8/15.
1154| |Beggs, J. |M. Gr. T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 3/3/16.
| | |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 2/12/16. Ptd. Lieut.
232| |Beggs, W. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn., 10/3/16.
784|C.S.M. |Bell, B. A. |_See_ Appendix E.
787|C.S.M. |Bell, P. T. C. |_See_ Appendix E.
601| |Belstead, G. W. |Wdd. 1915.
222| |Belstead, H. M. |D. of Wds., France, 25/4/17.
567| |Benarie, M. |T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy. 12/8/15.
1204| |Bennett, G. H. |K. in A., France, 8/4/16.
568| |Bennett, H. G. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1083| |Bennett, S. H. |T. to Aust. Postal Corps 19/5/16. Ptd.
| | |E.R. Cpl.
13| |Bent, W. T. |Wdd.
998| |Benton, J. G. |
223| |Betts, G. E. |
1018| |Biggs, C. |T. to 4th Pnr. Bn. 16/4/16. Apptd. Dr.
| | |Wd. 1915 and 2nd occ.
210| |Biles, A. R. |T. to 51st Bn. 2/4/16. K. in A., France,
| | |3/9/16.
570| |Biles, C. L. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 10/3/16.
398| |Bilston, E. St. I. |Wdd. 1915.
14| |Bingham, A. |K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
1019| |Black, J. K. |Wdd.
1116| |Blampey, T. |Ptd. C.S.M. Wdd. 1915 and 2nd occ.
571| |Blechynden, A. G. R.|Invalided 1915. Returned with 12/28th
| | |Rfts. Ptd. Sgt. K. in A., France,
| | |28/2/17.
229| |Blows, O. S. |Reg. Sig. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
596|Sgt. |Bodinner, J. |Wdd. 1915.
1166| |Bolin, P. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 2 occ.
731| |Bond, R. |Wdd.
393| |Bond, T. |T. to 7th F. Coy., Eng., 7/3/16.
733| |Boon, A. |Wdd.
396| |Boorman, T. |
15| |Boryss, B. |Wdd.
233| |Bourne, R. F. |T. to 2nd F.A. Bde. 17/10/15. Ptd. Bty.
| | |S.M. Wdd. _M.M._
930|Dr. |Bowen, G. |
1054| |Bowers, W. |
395| |Bowron, C. |Wdd. 1915.
17| |Boyle, P. T. |Apptd. Dr.
1017| |Boys, A. J. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
399| |Brazier, O. |Wdd. K. in A., Belgium, 30/10/17.
1020| |Brennan, E. J. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
18| |Brennan, P. |T. to 11th Bn. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
934| |Brigatti, G. |Ptd. R.Q.M.S. K. in A., France, 20/5/18.
| | |Previously served in Sth. African war.
231| |Briggs, E. |
1200| |Brisco, G. H. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
569| |Bristow, B. B. |T. to 7th F. Coy., Eng., 7/3/16. Ptd.
| | |E.R. Staff Sgt.
211| |Britten, R. J. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
592| |Broadbent, H. F. |T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy. 1/9/16. _M.M._
1127| |Brock, H. |Wdd. 1915.
218| |Brooks, G. H. |Ptd. R.S.M. Mentioned in Corps Orders,
| | |13/12/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
19| |Brooks, H. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
20| |Brooks, J. H. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 11/3/16. Ptd. L/Sgt.
21| |Brooks, S. |T. to I.C. Corps 30/1/16. Ptd. Cpl.
| | |Wdd. 2 occ.
221|Sgt. |Brown, A. |_See_ Appendix E.
958| |Brown, F. E. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
809| |Brown, G. D. |Wdd. 1915. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn.
| | |10/3/16. Ptd. L/Cpl.
1145| |Brown, G. J. R. |T. to H.T.M. Bty. 22/4/16. Returned to
| | |Bn. 10/8/17. Wdd. 1915 and 2nd
| | |occ. _M.M._ K. in A., Belgium,
| | |4/10/17.
22| |Brown, J. McL. |T. to 51st Bn. 2/4/16. Accidentally
| | |killed, France, 27/6/16.
217|L/Cpl. |Brown, J. W. |A.A.M.C. Detail. Ptd. L/Sgt. _M.S.M._
220|Sgt. |Brown, R. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 29/7/16. Ptd. Captain.
| | |Wdd. 2 occ. Mentioned in Corps
| | |Orders 13/12/16. _M.C._
597| |Brown, W. T. |Invalided to Australia 25/9/15. Returned
| | |and T. to 46th Bn. 18/3/17.
| | |_M.M._
213| |Bruce, H. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16. Ptd. Sgt.
| | |Wdd.
593| |Bruce, W. O. |Wdd. 1915. T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16.
595| |Bryant, J. B. |
812| |Buck, H. V. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
963| |Buckingham, A. E. |St. Bearer. T. to 7th Fld. Amb. 6/5/17.
913|Dr. |Bullen, H. J. S. |
212| |Burdon, G. |Wdd. 1915.
397| |Burge, W. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 19/9/15.
935| |Burgoyne, V. J. |St. Bearer. T. to 17th Coy., A.A.S.C.,
| | |21/11/17.
810| |Burke, J. L. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ. D. of Wds.
| | |France, 19/5/17.
230| |Burley, R. A. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
811| |Burns, H. |Wdd. 2 occ.
224|Cpl. |Burns, T. A. |T. to Royal Flying Corps, Nov., 1916.
| | |Ptd. Lieut.
23|Dr. |Burridge, A. T. |
1009| |Burton, A. P. |T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy., 1/9/15.
216| |Burton, O. C. H. |Ptd. Cpl. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
814|Cpl. |Burton, W. N. |T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy., 12/8/15.
950| |Burvill, H. H. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 14/9/15.
215| |Butcher, T. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn., 11/3/16.
24| |Butler, M. F. |T. to I.C. Corps, 31/1/16.
25| |Butler, P. L. |
599| |Butt, E. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 7/10/15.
| | |
26| |Cadee, T. |Apptd. Dr. Invalided to Australia,
| | |25/9/15.
256| |Cahill, J. |
816| |Cahill, W. J. |Wdd.
817| |Cailes, H. N. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
407| |Calder, J. L. |Wdd.
825| |Campbell, A. M. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
259| |Campbell, E. A. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 1915.
943| |Campbell, J. C. |Reg. Sig. T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy.,
| | |12/8/15. Ptd. Cpl.
824|Cpl. |Campbell, R. F. |Wdd. Invalided to Australia. Rejoined,
| | |1/9/16.
1021| |Carder, F. S. |St. Bearer. Wdd. 1915. T. to 4th M.G.
| | |Bn., 25/5/18. Ptd. Cpl. D. of Wds.,France,
| | |France, 21/9/18.
410| |Carlisle, R. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 7/4/17. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Wdd.
50|Sgt. |Carroll, C. |Sig. Sgt. Wdd.
28| |Casey, R. |M.Gr. Invalided, 1915. Returned with
| | |44th Bn. Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 5/3/17. Ptd.
| | |Lieut. _M.C._ D. of Wds., France,
| | |7/4/18.
234| |Castles, W. H. |Wdd. T. to 51st Bn., 15/10/17.
29| |Cave, A. J. |Wdd.
607| |Cerini, A. V. |Wdd.
235| |Chalkley, J. |T. to 8th F. Coy., Eng. Apptd. Dr. K. in
| | |A., France, 25/9/17.
1157|Bgr. |Chaloner, D. |Wdd., 1915.
30| |Chamberlain, P. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
261| |Chamberlin, B. G. S.|Wdd.
1187| |Chandler, S. A. |
236| |Chapman, F. B. |Ptd. Cpl. D. of Wds., France, 4/3/17.
960| |Chapman, W. E. |
404| |Chappell, W. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
611| |Charlton, R. L. |Pioneer. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn., 13/3/16.
405|Dr. |Chipper, G. |T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy., 12/8/15.
250| |Chorlton, O. |Ptd. Sgt. Accidentally killed, France,
| | |17/10/18.
609| |Christensen, H. |T. to 2nd Div. Hqrs., 16/8/15.
402| |Christie, J. R. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 2 occ. K. in A., France,
| | |3/10/18.
820| |Churchard, A. |D. of wds., France, 29/7/16.
828| |Clairs, G. C. |Ptd. Cpl.
610| |Clark, A. W. |Ptd C.S.M. Wdd. Ment. in Despatches.
| | |_D.C.M._
32| |Clark, C. C. |
1063| |Clayton, A. L. |Apptd. Dr.
409| |Clayton, E. |
33|Bgr. |Clayton, W. |K. in A., France, 4-6/8/16.
257| |Cleaver, H. |Wdd., 1915.
1144| |Clegg, P. J. |T. to 11th Bn., 24/1/16. Ptd. L. Sgt.
| | |Wdd.
775| |Clifton, G. L. C. |T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy., 12/8/15.
| | |Afterwards to Royal Flying Corps. Ptd.
| | |Lieut.
248| |Cobbold, B. W. |
34| |Coburn, A. P. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 7/4/17. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Wdd. 4 occ. Ment. in Despatches. _M.C._
258| |Cockroft, R. |
818| |Coe, L. A. |K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
238|Bgr. |Colgate, O. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 16/9/15.
35| |Coll, J. |D. of Ill., at sea, 25/9/15.
1163| |Collett, L. E. |Ptd. Staff Sgt.
36| |Collins, A. S. |D. of Wds., France, 4/5/17.
37| |Collins, C. P. H. |
603| |Collins, F. W. |Invalided to Australia, 25/9/15.
| | |Returned and T. to 59th Bn., 8/10/16. K.
| | |in A., France, 11/5/17.
265| |Collins, P. |Wdd.
263| |Compston, W. |T. to 10th L.H., 23/10/16. Apptd. Dr.
401|Cpl. |Congdon, F. H. A. |T. to 7th L.T.M. Bty., 22/4/16. Wdd.
403| |Connor, E. |D. of Ill., Malta, 7/11/15.
1022| |Connor, J. |
237| |Connor, T. |T. to 2nd Div. Hqrs., 18/8/15. Apptd.
| | |Dr.
249| |Conway, E. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., Belgium, 2/10/17.
406| |Cook, F. R. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
1072| |Cooke, M. L. |Wdd.
606| |Coolahan, A. |Reg. Sig. Ptd. Sgt. D. of Wds., France,
| | |9/11/17.
252| |Coombe, H. J. |T. to 51st Bn., 2/4/16. Wdd.
1055| |Coomer, D. C. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
38|Cpl. |Cooper, A. S. |Ptd. Sgt. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
246| |Cooper, G. B. |St. Bearer. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
605| |Cooper, H. W. |Wdd. _D.C.M._
255| |Cope, H. J. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
264| |Copley, N. |St. Bearer. D. of Ill., at sea, 1/11/15.
262| |Coppard, S. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1198| |Corbett, C. W. |T. to 7th L.T.M. Bty., 6/4/16. Wdd.
247| |Cordierr, C. W. V. |
786|Sgt. |Corr, O. R. |Invalided, 1915.
1086| |Cottingham, D. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 11/8/16. _M.M._
| | |D. of Wds., France, 26/3/17.
40| |Couchman, R. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
822| |Coulter, F. C. L. |
821| |Coulter, L. T. |K. in A., France, 4-6/8/16.
41| |Counihan, G. |Wdd.
819| |Courtney, M. J. |Wdd.
798|C.S.M. |Cousins, H. M. |
251| |Cowell, A. W. |D. of Wds., France, 12/8/18.
253| |Cox, F. |Ptd. Sergt.-Shoemaker.
823| |Cox, F. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
602| |Cox, H. C. |
42| |Cox, J. |Wdd.
408| |Cox, J. |
43| |Cox, L. D. |T. to 7th L.T.M. Bty. 22/4/16. Wdd.
1118| |Crabb, G. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
239| |Craske, H. |Wdd. 3 occ.
44| |Creighton, R. A. |Wdd.
241| |Crerar, W. |M. Gr. Wdd. 1915.
260| |Crofts, S. |Reg. Sig. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
45| |Crorkan, P. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
46| |Cross, A. E. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
47| |Cross, M. |Reg. Sig. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. _M.M._
242| |Crouch, F. |T. to 7th L.T.M. Bty. 19/4/16.
48| |Crump, J. |Wdd. 1915.
49| |Cumming, H. A. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 1915. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
826| |Cunningham, D. W. |D. of Wds., Gallipoli, 24/11/15.
243| |Cunningham, P. |Wdd. 1915. K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
1178| |Curran, A. W. |Reg. Sig. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 30/8/16.
| | |Wdd. 2 occ. Ment. in Despatches.
815| Dr. |Curran, J. |
919| |Curtis, G. N. |Ptd. Cpl. K. in A., France, 10/6/18.
254| |Curwen, F. E. |D. of Wds., Gallipoli, 21/9/15.
1070| |Cutts, R. W. |T. to 48th Bn. 26/4/16.
| | |
271| |Daines, A. C. C. |
1100| |Dale, G. F. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 19/9/15.
1046| |Dalton, R. |
1095| |Davidson, J. S. |Wdd.
52| |Davies, A. |D. of Wds., France, 29/7/16.
838| |Davies, E. S. T. |Wdd. T. to 2nd M.G. Bn. 1/7/18.
839| |Dawkins, F. E. |Wdd. 1915
1114|Sgt. |Dawson, W. T. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut, 29/7/16. Wdd.
266| |Deacon, H. S. |
414|Cpl. |Deering, J. B. |Wdd.
833| |Deery, D. |
834| |Deery, G. |Wdd. T. to 4th M.G. Coy. 2/12/16.
272| |Delaporte, R. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 16/9/15.
1023| |De Lury, F. J. |
830| |Delury, W. |Wdd. 1915.
1119| |Dennison, R. |Wdd. 1915. D. of Wds., France, 9/4/16.
942|Bgr. |Deverell, W. F. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy 14/8/16. Wdd.
835| |Devine, A. F. |K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
54| |Devine, M. J. |Wdd.
836| |Dewar, F. L. |Ptd. L/Cpl.
613| |Dickson, E. |
831| |Dixon, J. A. |T. to 5th F. Coy, Eng., 18/8/15. Apptd.
| | |Dr
832| |Dobson, J. |Pioneer. T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy.
| | |12/8/15. Ptd. 2nd Cpl.
267| |Dolbear, F. |
55| |Donaldson, H. |Ptd. Sgt. D. of Wds., France, 10/11/16.
412| |Donaldson, N. F. |Wdd. K. in A., Belgium, 4/10/17.
268| |Donovan, D. |Wdd.
614| |Doran, J. |
56| |Doust, J. A. |Wdd. 1915 and 2nd occ.
1096| |Dowdle, W. G. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 12/3/16. Ptd. L/Cpl.
1053| |Drew, V. C. |D. of Wds., France, 3/6/16.
57| |Drock, C. A. |D. of Wds., Belgium, 23/9/17.
617| |Drummond, W. |Wdd. 2 occ.
58| |Ducie, W. F. |Ptd. Armourer-Sergt. T. to A. Army
| | |Ordnance Corps, 12/2/18, but remained
| | |attached to Bn.
794|Cpl. |Ducksbury, J. H. |Ptd. Sgt.
841| |Ducrow, C. |Wdd.
842| |Dudley, A. |T. to 48th Bn. 26/4/16.
59| |Duff, J. |K. in A., France, 29/5/16.
1193| |Duff, R. |Pioneer. K. in A., Gallipoli, 26/9/15.
612| |Duffield, A. F. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16.
837| |Duncanson, G. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. Mentioned by the
| | |Secretary of State for War.
1080| |Dunn, W. |T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy. 1/12/15.
996| |Dunn, W. W. R. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16. K. in A.,
| | |France, 4/7/18.
269| |Dunne, M. |Ptd. Cpl. _M.M._
60| |Dunphy, G. P. |Wdd. 1915. K. in A., France, 29/5/16.
270| |Dunstan, S. A. |Wdd. 1915. K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
| | |
989| |Earl, A. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 22/9/15.
418|Cpl. |Eatough, J. |Ptd. Sgt. K. in A., France, 28-29/7/16.
274| |Edema, F. W. |
417| |Elliott, G. L. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 14/9/16. Ptd.
| | |T/-Cpl.
275| |Emery, A. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 1/8/18. Ptd. Lieut.
273| |Esmond, M. F. |
619| |Etty, R. |Wdd. 1915 and 2nd occ.
416| |Evans, G. |Pioneer. Wdd.
844| |Evans, H. |Wdd. 2 occ. T. to A.A.V.C. 31/7/17.
415| |Evans, H. J. |
61| |Evenis, G. R. |Wdd.
| | |
62| |Fagan, J. M. |Wdd.
625| |Fairhead, L. C. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 13/11/16. K. in A.,
| | |Belgium, 3-10-17.
1155| |Fairweather, C. L. |T. to I.C. Corps 1/2/16. Ptd. T/-Sgt.
1128| |Falkner, E. |T. to I.C. Corps 1/2/16. Wdd. Ptd. Sgt.
422| |Farmer, H. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ. _D.C.M._
421| |Farmer, L. |
621| |Farmer, L. |K. in A., France 4-6/8/16.
63| |Farris, E. T. |Wdd. K. in A., France, 19/5/18.
622| |Farris, R. P. |Wdd. 2 occ. _D.C.M._
932|Sgt. |Faulkner, M. L. |Transport-Sergt.
424| |Fawkner, E. |
279| |Felton, F. |
969| |Fenn, C. C. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16.
64| |Ferris, D. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
479|Sgt. |Field, C. R. |_See_ Appendix "E."
845| |Fingland, G. |K. in A., France, 10/6/18.
276| |Firby, T. |
951| |Fitzgerald, M. |T. to 48th Bn. 26/4/16.
846|Dr. |Fitzpatrick, J. J. |Ptd. Cpl. K. in A., France, 16-18/11/16.
623| |Fitzpatrick. M. M. |M.Gr. T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16. Ptd.
| | |Sgt. Wdd. _M.M._
928|Dr. |Flanagan, W. E. |Ptd. Cpl.
277| |Fleming, B. G. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
66| |Fleming, R. |
805|Sgt. |Fletcher, P. H. |Wdd.
847|Sgt. |Flower, C. C. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 16/8/16. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Wdd. 2 occ.
620| |Floyd, J. G. |T. to Aust. Provo. Corps 12/1/18. Ptd.
| | |E.R. 2nd Cpl. Wdd. 1915 and 2nd occ.
420| |Folland, G. |Wdd. 2 occ. Invalided to Australia
| | |29/2/16. Rejoined 19/2/17.
938| |Ford, G. H. |A.A.M.C. Detail. T. to A.A. Pay Corps
| | |29/2/16.
624| |Ford, J. E. |T. to 30th A.A.S.C. 14/3/17.
390|Dr. |Foster, G. |Wdd.
1186| |Foster, H. M. |
795|Sgt. |Foster, M. J. |T. to 7th L.T.M. Bty. 22/4/16. Apptd.
| | |2nd Lieut. 31/1/18. Ptd. Lieut.
977| |Fox, F.H. |K. in A., France, 4-6/8/16.
67| |Francklyn, C. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1098| |Franco, H. A. |Wdd. 1915. _M.M._ and _Serbian
| | |Silver Medal_. D. of Ill., France,
| | |16/2/18.
68| |Frank, J. C. |T. to 5th Bn. Wdd.
278| |Franklin, T. |
1205| |Fraser, D. |T. to 8th F. Coy., Eng. Ptd. Far. Sgt.
1194| |Frayne, C. S. |
1105| |Freeman, J. R. |Wdd. 1915. T. to I.C. Corps 1/2/16.
997| |Fuller, F. G. |A.A.M.C. Detail. Ptd. L/Sgt.
69|L/Cpl. |Fulton, W. J. |
| | |
857| |Gallagher, J. |Wdd. 1915.
426| |Galway, J. |
1190| |Gardiner, A. W. G. |
281| |Gardner, J. |Wdd. 4 occ.
859| |Garrity, H. W. |K. in A., France, 3/5/17.
851| |Garsden, W. |
782|Sgt. |Garth, T. J. |K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
1005|R.S.M. |Gettingby, J. |_See_ Appendix E.
71| |Gibbons, A. R. |Ptd. Cpl. D. of Wds., France, 14/10/16.
855| |Gibbons, L. W. |Wdd. 1915.
627| |Gibson, E. T. |T. to 7th F. Coy., Eng., 7/3/16. D. of
| | |Wds., France, 2/8/16.
72| |Gibson, W. |Ptd. R.Q.M.S. Ment. in Despatches.
1094| |Gillett, E. A. |
429| |Gipp, R. |
849| |Girvan, J. |Ptd. Sgt. K. in A., France, 26/3/17.
850| |Gleeson, A. J. |Wdd. 2 occ.
856| |Gleeson, D. |
854|Cpl. |Gleeson, M. W. |Wdd. 1915. D. of Wds., Belgium,
| | |5/10/17.
73| |Glover, J. A. |T. to 7th L.T.M. Bty., 22/4/16. Rejoined
| | |30/10/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
1050| |Gobey, C. N. |Wdd. T. to 2nd M.G. Bn. 23/3/18.
1056|Bgr. |Godfrey, G. A. T. |
282| |Goffin, J. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 16/3/16. Ptd. Sgt.
| | |_M.S.M._
1182| |Goodall, J. S. |
285| |Goodfield, W. |Wdd. 1915. D. of Wds., France, 22/5/17.
432| |Goodlet, J. T. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
1104| |Gordon, J. |Wdd. 2 occ.
1049| |Gordon, W. |Wdd.
289| |Goullet, E. |
912| |Graham, C. G. |M.Gr. T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16.
| | |Ptd. Sgt. K. in A., France, 5/2/17.
778|C.Q.M.S.|Graham, N. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 24/1/17. T. to 7th
| | |L.T.M. Bty. Ptd. Lieut. _M.C._
428| |Graham, R. T. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1004|Sgt. |Graham, T. R. |Sergeant Cook.
425|Cpl. |Gramkie, F. J. |T. to A. Army Postal Corps, 5/8/18.
287| |Granger, W. G. R. |Ptd. Cpl. K. in A., Belgium, 2/11/17.
438| |Greay, H. |Ptd. L/Sgt. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
961| |Greay, S. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
286|Sgt. |Green, A. T. V. |Wdd.
74| |Green, G. D. |Wdd. T. to 48th Bn., 25/4/16.
75| |Green, J. T. W. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1170| |Green, W. E. |Wdd. 1915.
853| |Green, W. G. |T. to 7th L.T.M. Bty., 2/12/16. Wdd. 2
| | |occ.
852| |Greene, G. A. |Wdd.
76| |Greenwood, H. W. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 3/3/16. K. in A.,
| | |Belgium, 20/9/17.
283| |Gregson, J. A. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 3/1/19. Ptd. Lieut.
985| |Gresham, J. D. |D. of Ill., Egypt, 22/11/15.
628| |Guidera, E. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
779|C.Q.M.S.|Gunn, J. R. |Apptd. Hon. Lieut. and Quartermaster.
| | |2/6/16. Ptd. Hon. Captain. _O.B.E._
848| |Gunson, J. |Wdd. Invalided Feb., 1916. Rejoined
| | |18/1/17.
| | |
448| |Hadden, W. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
77| |Haines, J. F. |Ptd. Sgt. K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
964| |Hale, H. G. |Wdd. 1915. K. in A., France, 5-6/8/16.
78| |Hale, W. W. A. |T. to 7th L.T.M. Bty., 19/4/16. Wdd.
1168| |Haley, D. |D. of Ill., Egypt, 26/4/16.
873| |Hall, B. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
79| |Hall, J. |T. to 7th. L.T.M. Bty., 21/12/16. Ptd.
| | |Cpl. Wdd. _D.C.M._
1024| |Hamilton, J. |
309| |Hamley, J. V. |Reg. Sig. Ptd. Cpl.
80|Cpl. |Hammond, M. G. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 29/7/16. Ptd.
| | |Captain. Ment. in Despatches. _M.M. M.C.
| | |and Bar_. Wdd. 2 occ. D. of Wds.,
| | |France, 14/6/18.
862|Sgt. |Hanlin, R. A. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 18/12/16. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Wdd. 2 occ.
863| |Hann, H. N. |T. to 31st Bn. Ptd. C.Q.M.S.
905|Dr. |Hansen, F. N. |
81| |Hardey, J. |Ptd. Cpl. K. in A., France 29/7/16.
1195| |Hardwick, R. W. G. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 16/8/16. Ptd. Captain.
| | |Wdd.
1139| |Harman, J. J. |Invalided to Australia, 31/8/15. Returned
| | |and T. to 1st Pnr. Bn., 7/9/16. K. in A.,
| | |Belgium, 21/9/17.
914|Dr. |Harmour, H. |T. to I.C. Corps, 1/2/16. Ptd.
| | |Farrier-Sgt.
642| |Harris, H. E. |Ptd. L/Sgt, Wdd. 2 occ.
870| |Harris, H. M. |T. to 15th M.G. Coy., 27/5/16. K. in A.,
| | |France, 3/5/18.
986|Bgr. |Harrison, C. L. E. |
83| |Harrison, J. |
101| |Harrison, J. |Ptd. C.Q.M.S.
439| |Harrison, J. L. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1173| |Harrison, M. |Ptd. Cpl.
864|Dr. |Hart, G. J. |T. to 7th L.T.M. Bty., 22/4/16. Wdd.
84|Cpl. |Harvey, H. K. de W. |Ptd. L/Cpl. T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 3/3/16.
| | |K. in A., France, 25/4/16.
874| |Hassard, R. |St. Bearer. Wdd.
303| |Hatfield, H. |Wdd.
1120| |Hatton, F. E. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 3/3/16. Wdd.
640| |Hawkins, E. |Wdd. 2 occ.
1153|Cpl. |Hawley, C. K. |D. of Wds., Gallipoli, 23/9/15.
898| |Hawtin, V. V. |Reg. Sig. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
454| |Haydock, R. |M.Gr. T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 3/3/16.
| | |Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 7/11/17. Ptd. Lieut.
290| |Hayes, E. T. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. T. to Dental Unit,
| | |A.A.M.C. 20/8/18.
643| |Hayes, H. A. |T. to 32nd Bn., 6/4/16. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
310| |Hayes, J. F. |Wdd. 1915.
1180| |Hayton, A. N. |Reg. Sig. T. to Army Pay Corps. Ptd.
| | |Cpl.
871| |Hayward, W. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 3 occ.
85| |Hazlitt, C. J. |Reg. Sig. T. to 11th Bn., 25/1/16.
301| |Head, W. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
445| |Heaney, M. J. |Wdd. T. to 3rd M.G. Bn., 13/4/18.
657| |Hearne, C. R. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 3/3/16. Apptd. 2nd.
| | |Lieut., 16/8/16. Ptd. Lieut. Wdd.
1011| |Hearty, H. |Invalided 1915. Returned with 44th Bn.,
| | |1916. Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 1/3/18. Ptd.
| | |Lieut.
291| |Heasman, F. |K. in A., Belgium, 26/9/17.
87| |Hedgley, A. E. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
954| |Height, H. L. |D. of Wds., Gallipoli, 14/9/15.
1138| |Henderson, A. M. |
639| |Henderson, C. A. |T. to I.C. Corps, 30/1/16.
983| |Henderson, J. N. |
88| |Hendrick, T. J. |Ptd. Sgt. _M.M._
447| |Hendry, C. |Wdd. K. in A., France, 14/6/18.
302| |Henson, M. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
89| |Herbert, H. R. |Wdd.
903|Dr. |Herdsman, W. E. |Wdd.
878| |Hewitt, A. C. S. |Invalided to Australia, 2/9/15. Returned
| | |and T. to 5th Bn. Wdd. 2 occ.
294| |Hewson, W. A. |
442| |Hicks, E. |K. in A., France, 16/11/16.
865| |Hicks, V. C. |K. in A., France, 29/8/18.
443| |Hilder, W. |T. to 2nd M.G. Bn., 12/4/18. Wdd. 1915
| | |and 2 occ.
90| |Hill, A. N. |T. to I.C. Corps, 1/2/16. Apptd. 2nd
| | |Lieut. 14th Light Horse, 4/1/19. Ptd.
| | |Lieut. _M.M._
91| |Hill, L. L. |Wdd.
92| |Hilliard, J. |Wdd.
441| |Hitchcock, H. |
452| |Hobbs, F. |Invalided 3/1/16. Returned with 16th
| | |Rfts. 4/3/17. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
451| |Hobbs, J. |Wdd. 3 occ. K. in A., France, 29/8/18.
1183|Sgt. |Hocking, W. J. |Sergt.-Drummer. Wdd.
861| |Hodder, G. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 2/12/15.
308| |Hodgson, J. |Ptd. Sgt. K. in A., Gallipoli, 22/9/15.
102| |Hodgson, T. W. |Wdd. 1915. T. to I.C. Corps. 1/2/16.
948| |Holden, J. W. |A.A.M.C. Detail. Wdd. 2 occ.
94| |Holford, R. G. |T. to 15th A.A.S.C., 15/11/15. Ptd. Cpl.
295| |Holland, J. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16. Ptd. Sgt.
633| |Holmes, H. H. |Reg. Sig. K. in A., France, 4-6/8/16.
95| |Hood, A. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
96| |Hopkins, J. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 9/12/16. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Wdd. 2 occ. Ment. in Despatches.
| | |_M.M._
298| |Horrocks, E. J. |D. of Wds., Gallipoli, 18/9/15.
292| |Horrocks, S. H. |Ptd. Cpl. D. of Wds. whilst prisoner of
| | |War, Germany, 2/8/16.
1060| |Hortin, J. C. |D. of Wds., France, 10/8/16.
781| |Horton, E. W. |St. Bearer. Wdd.
1203| |Howes, A. H. W. |Wdd. 1915. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. D. of
| | | Wds., France, 4/8/16.
293| |Howieson, G. |
876| |Huckstep, V. |Wdd.
638| |Huddleston, J. |
97| |Hudson, F. E. J. |Wdd.
98| |Hull, R. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
860| |Hulls, A. H. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn., 3/5/16. K. in A.
| | |France, 29/7/16.
1199| |Humberstone, H. |Wdd.
99| |Hume, R. |
866| |Humphreys, W. J. |Wdd. 2 occ.
305| |Hunt, E. R. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
904|Dr. |Hunt, J. |Wdd.
446| |Hunter, R. |T. to 1st Div. Sig. Coy., 16/3/16.
300| |Hurst, W. W. |Pioneer.
1025| |Hutchins, A. |T. to 48th Bn., 28/4/16.
307| |Hutchins, C. |Wdd.
1068| |Hutchinson, H. |Wdd.
634| |Hutchinson, H. V. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
299|Cpl. |Hyde, W. |D. of Wds., at sea, 18/9/15.
100| |Hyman, J. |
306| |Hynes, N. |D. of Wds., Gallipoli, 6/11/15.
| | |
311| |Illing, W. G. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
879| |Innes, G. W. R. |T. to 2nd M.G. Bn. 30/3/18. Wdd. 2 occ.
644| |Iveson, C. |Wdd.
| | |
880| |Jackson, J. W. |K. in A., France, 4-6/8/16.
1172| |Jackson, T. |Wdd. 1915. Apptd. Dr.
953| |Jacobsen, C. |Wdd. 1915. T. to 51st Bn. 3/4/16. D. of
| | |Wds., Egypt, 12/5/16.
1129| |Jacques, C. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy, 3/3/16. Wdd.
1202| |James, C. A. C. |D. of Wds., France, 27/2/17.
1074| |Jamson, J. |Ptd. Sgt.
457| |Jeffery. C. H. |
1052| |Jeffery, W. T. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
312| |Jerry, A. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 23/10/16. _M.M._
| | |D. of Wds. France, 26/3/17.
316| |Job, P. F. |Invalided to Australia 2/9/15.
645| |John, J. |Wdd. 1915, K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
317| |Johnson, F. |
881| |Johnson, K. L. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 25/1/17. T. to 16th
| | |Bn. Ptd. Lieut. Wdd.
882| |Johnson, R. A. |K. in A., France, 4-6/8/16.
313| |Johnston, R. |Ptd. C.Q.M.S. Wdd.
885| |Johnston, S. |Apptd. Dr. Wdd.
1092| |Johnstone, W. A. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 13/3/16. Ptd.
| | |C.Q.M.S.
456| |Jones, A. W. |T. to 47th Bn. 4/5/16.
884| |Jones, G. B. |T. to 5th F. Coy., Eng., 18/8/15. Apptd.
| | |Dr. _M.M._
314| |Jones, H. S. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 1915 and 2nd occ.
103| |Jones, J. |
777|C.Q.M.S.|Jones, S. |Apptd. Hon. Lieut. and Quartermaster,
| | |8/11/17. Twice Ment. in Despatches.
104| |Jones, W. P. |Ptd. C.S.M. D. of Wds., France,
| | |12/11/16.
883| |Joyce, C. |Wdd.
| | |
1146| |Kahan, H. K. |Reg. Sig.
1175|Dr. |Kay, A. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 13/11/16.
788|Sgt. |Keay, R. E. |
926|Cpl. |Keefe, H. R. |A.A.M.C. Detail. Ptd. L/Sgt. T. to 7th
| | |Fld. Amb. 29/9/16.
322| |Keelan, M. |
324| |Keeley, W. J. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. _M.M._
988| |Kelley, B. |Ptd. Sgt. K. in A. France, 10/6/18.
647| |Kelly, A. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
320| |Kelly, J. |
318| |Kelly, J. J. |
1188| |Kelly, R. |
1625| |Kendall, F. |T. to 5th F. Coy., Eng., 18/8/15. Apptd.
| | |Dr.
1010|Sgt. |Kennedy, G. F. |K. in A., France, 20/9/17.
887| |Kennon, A. |Ptd. Cpl. K. in A., Gallipoli, 5/10/15.
319| |Kenny, W. |
323| |Kent, G. A. |K. in A., France, 1/6/18.
105| |Kenyon, J. H. |
462| |Kerr, J. |
889| |Keyte, T. N. |T. to H.T.M. Bty., 22/5/16. K. in A.,
| | |France, 26/5/16.
321| |Kidner, A. W. |T. to A.A.M.C. 28/10/17.
463| |King, C. F. |Wdd. 2 occ.
106| |King, G. A. |
461|Cpl. |King, H. C. |_See_ Appendix E.
888| |Kingman, G. |Wdd.
1112| |Kingsbury, P. F. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 10/3/16.
978| |Kingsbury, V. E. |Ptd. L/Cpl.
1162| |Kinshela, I. W. |Wdd.
107| |Knapp, J. L. |M.Gr. D. of Ill., Egypt, 12/11/15.
108| |Knapp, M. S. |M.Gr. Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
646| |Kolby, R. A. |M.Gr. T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 20/5/17.
| | |
915|Dr. |Lafferty, W. |Wdd.
918| |Lamb, E. A. |M.O.'s Orderly. T. to 7th Fld. Amb.
325| |Lamb, W. L. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn., 13/3/16. Apptd. Dr.
1001|Cpl. |Lang, J. R. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
109| |Langridge, H. W. |Ptd. T/-Sgt. Wdd.
110| |Langridge, J. H. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
653| |Langton, S. A. |M.Gr. Wdd. 1915. T. to 7th M.G. Coy.,
| | |3/3/16. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 23/10/16. Ptd.
| | |Lieut.
111|Cpl. |Lanyon, R. J. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 7/4/17. Wdd. 2 occ.
| | |K. in A., France, 3/5/17.
112| |Latham, A. |
652| |Latham, R. J. C. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
330| |Lauder, J. |
113| |Lawn, H. D. |Wdd.
326| |Lawrence, A. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn., 14/3/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
1176|Bgr. |Lawrence, J. |
327| |Lawson, A. |Wdd. 1915.
920|Bgr. |Lawson, R. |T. to 2nd M.G. Bn., 23/3/18.
467| |Leaver, W. A. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 27/12/16. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Wdd. _M.M., M.C._
908|Dr. |Lebovetz, E. |T. to I.C. Corps, 1/2/16. Wdd.
1208| |Lee, G. C. |D. of Ill., England, 31/10/15.
466| |Lee, J. |T. to 5th F. Coy., Eng., 18/8/15.
891| |Leggett, H. |Reg. Sig. Ptd. T/-Sgt.
1078|Bgr. |Lenegan, J. W. |T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy., 12/8/15.
| | |_M.M._
806| |Lester, E. C. |
328| |Lester, V. |T. to A.A.S.C., 14/6/17.
114| |Levy, F. |T. to I.C. Corps, 31/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl.
| | |K. in A., Palestine, 19/4/17.
115| |Lewis, C. S. |Wdd. 1915. T. to 7th M.G. Coy. D. of
| | |Wds., France, 14/8/16.
925|Sgt. |Lewis, L. C. |Armourer-Sergt. Wdd. T. to A.Army
| | |Ordnance Corps, 11/5/18.
890|Dr. |Leyshon, W. E. |Wdd.
332| |Linden, G. |St. Bearer. K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
893| |Long, R. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1207| |Longmore, T. |K. in A., France, 16-18/11/16.
651| |Longson, E. |T. to 7th F. Coy., Eng., 7/3/16. Wdd.
774| |Lukin, L. R. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. K. in A., France, 10/6/18.
329| |Lunnon, W. E. |Apptd. Dr. T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 12/9/16.
116| |Lyden, W. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
| | |
737| |McArdell, L. C. |M.Gr. Invalided 11/4/16.
1130| |McAuliffe, D. |T. to 7th L.T.M. Bty. 1916. Ptd. Cpl.
| | |_M.M. and Bar_. D. of Wds., France,
| | |12/3/17.
1093| |McCabe, M. |T. to I.C. Corps 1/2/16. Ptd. T/-Cpl.
738| |McCaig, C. |
739| |McCaig, C. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1211| |McCarthy, J. P. |T. to 51st Bn. 2/4/16.
131|L/Cpl. |McCarthy, M. |K. in A., France, 21/5/18.
901| |McCleery, R. L. |Reg. Sig. T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy.
| | |14/3/16. Ptd. E.R. Sgt.
1062| |McColl, A. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
671| |McCooke, D. |T. to 2nd F. Coy., Eng., 16/3/16.
489| |McCorry, J. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
482| |McDonald, A. |Wdd. 1915. Apptd. Dr.
894| |Macdonald, B. M. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 22/10/17. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Wdd. 2 occ.
132| |McDonald, D. |T. to H.T.M. Bty. 11/6/16. Ptd.
| | |Bombardier. Wdd.
341| |McDonald, D. |
334| |McDonald, F. R. |
133| |McDonald, J. A. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
343| |McDonald, W. |T. to Army Corps Ammunition Park
| | |19/11/15.
483| |McDonnell, F. L. |Ptd. T/-Cpl. Wdd.
339| |McDowall, J. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1027| |McEnroe, F. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
335| |McErlain, J. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Invalided 4/8/15.
742| |McEvoy, A. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France,
| | |16-18/11/16.
1101| |McGavin, C. G. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ. T. to Dental Unit,
| | |A.A.M.C., 30/10/18.
134|Dr. |McGeachie, D. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1122| |McGill, W. P. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 22/9/15.
1028| |McGinnis, A. |
336| |McGrath, T. |
1082| |McGregor, C. |
1029| |McGregor, F. A. |K. in A., France, 4-6/8/16.
1178| |McIntosh, W. |Ptd. Sgt. K. in A., Belgium, 28/9/17.
968| |McIntyre, D. H. |K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
337|Sgt. |McIntyre, J. |_See_ Appendix E.
1115|Sgt. |McIntyre, K. M. G. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 16/8/16. Ptd. Captain.
| | |Wdd. _M.C._
672| |McIntyre, P. |Wdd. 2 occ.
1201| |McKail, C. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 3/3/16. Ptd. L/Sgt.
1192| |McKay, D. |T. to 48th Bn. 26/4/16.
660| |Mackay, D. McK. |Pioneer. D. of Wds., Gallipoli, 26/9/15.
743|Sgt. |Mackay, S. |
744| |McKenzie, A. |D. of Wds., Egypt, 30/11/15.
344| |MacLean, J. |Wdd. 1915 and 2nd occ.
945| |McLeod, D. D. |K. in A., France, 7/6/16.
484| |McLeod, J. |Wdd. 2 occ.
135|Bgr. |McLernon, J. L. |Wdd. 1915 and 2nd occ.
488| |McMahon, P. |Ptd. L/Cpl.
1131| |McMahon, P. |
1077| |McMillan, N. A. |Invalided, 1915.
922| |McMorrow, P. C. |Wdd.
994| |McNamara, J. |D. of Wds., Gallipoli, 3/10/15.
747| |McNulty, H. R. |
136| |McQueen, W. |
666| |MacRae, A. W. |Wdd. 1915. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. Ptd. Sgt.
| | |Wdd. 2nd occ.
477| |Madden, J. W. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 1915.
931| |Malatzky, L. |M.Gr. T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16. Ptd.
| | |Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
658| |Mandelzon, H. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1088| |Mann, J. H. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
1196| |Manson, G. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
118| |Marquand, C. J. |T. to 51st Bn. 2/4/16.
965| |Marshall, J. C. |
119| |Marshall, L. W. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
345| |Marshall, W. |Wdd. 1915. Invalided.
120|Dr. |Marsland, J. C. |K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
1121| |Martin, D. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 1/5/17. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Wdd.
121| |Martin, G. E. |T. to 32nd Bn. 6/4/16. Apptd. 2nd Lieut.
| | |1/6/18. Ptd. Lieut. Wdd. 2 occ.
478| |Martin, H. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 13/11/16. Apptd. Dr.
122| |Martin, J. M. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
895| |Mason, H. |K. in A., France, 24/6/16.
897| |Mason, R. |
349| |Mathers, J. E. |D. of Wds., England, 12/10/16.
668| |Matson, R. P. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16. Rejoined Bn.
| | |24/12/16. D. of Wds., Belgium, 20/9/17.
123| |Mawdesley, P. E. J. |
1090| |May, H. |
346| |Mayger, S. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 9/3/16. Ptd Cpl.
896|Dr. |Mayger, W. J. |Wdd. K. in A., France, 18/4/18.
572| |Mead, F. M. A. |Wdd. 1915.
1102| |Meagher, E. J. G. |Wdd. K. in A., Belgium, 4/10/17.
573| |Melsom, A. |Pioneer. Ptd. Sgt. Ment. in Despatches.
1135|Sgt. |Melville, B. W. G. |Ptd. C.S.M. K. in A., Belgium, 20/9/17.
124| |Merrick, J. |K. in A., Gallipoli. 30/9/15.
661|Cpl. |Metcalfe, W. M. |
471|Dr. |Mewha, J. |Ptd. Cpl.
574| |Mighall, R. |Ptd. Cpl. T. to 2nd M.G. Bn. 20/3/18.
966| |Milburn, J. |Wdd.
1141| |Mill, W. L. S. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
355|Dr. |Millea, A. G. |Ptd. L/Cpl. T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16.
353| |Milligan, D. |T. to 51st Bn., 2/4/16.
127| |Mills, A. |
472| |Mills, O. |Wdd.
354| |Milner, G. |
128| |Milroy, M. R. |T. to 32nd Bn. 6/4/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
933| |Minchin, H. d'E. |Ptd. Cpl.
473| |Mineter, M. |T. to 48th Bn. 26/4/16. K. in A.,
| | |France, 5/8/16.
1091| |Minett, W. H. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1185| |Mitchell, F. T. |Wdd. 1915 and 2nd occ.
656| |Mitchell, T. P. |Wdd. 1915 and 2 occ. later.
999| |Molloy, H. |St. Bearer. Ptd. Cpl. _D.C.M._
350| |Moloney, J. V. |Wdd.
662| |Monck, E. C. |Ptd. A/Sgt. Wdd. 1915 and 2nd occ.
1136| |Monger, F. E. |
577| |Moore, G. |Wdd. 1915. T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 11/8/16,
| | |and to Australian Flying Corps 27/8/17.
| | |Ptd. A/Sgt.
1066| |Moore, H. J. |Wdd.
357| |Moore, J. J. |
347| |Moore, W. |T. to 1st Pnr. Bn. 9/3/16. Wdd.
352| |Moore, W. J. |Wdd.
129| |Morey, L. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
356|Cpl. |Morris, H. |Ptd. Sgt. K. in A., France, 1/6/18.
469| |Morrison, J. |St. Bearer, Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
578| |Mortimer, F. |Ptd. E.R. Sgt.
944| |Morton, L. J. |T. to 27th Bn. Wdd. 2 occ.
655| |Mountjoy, C. |Invalided 31/8/15.
654| |Mountjoy, R.C. |Apptd. Dr.
663| |Moxham, J. |T. to 5th F. Coy., Eng., 18/8/15. Apptd.
| | |Dr.
348| |Moyle, E. T. |K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
1151| |Mullen, C. G. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
1111| |Munro, N. A. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 16/12/16.
1161| |Murdock, A. |Ptd. L/Cpl. T. to 5th F. Coy., Eng.,
| | |11/3/16.
909|Dr. |Murray, C. G. |Wdd. 2 occ.
940|Bgr. |Murray, H. J. |Wdd. 1915. T. to 10th Light Horse
| | |10/6/16. Wdd. 2nd occ.
902| |Murray, S. |Reg. Sig. Wdd.
| | |
1059| |Naughton, R. D. |
492| |Neale, T. A. |Ptd. T/Cpl.
748| |Neilson, G. B. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16. Ptd. A/Sgt.
799|Sgt. |Neumann, H. P. |Evacuated 1915. T. to 44th Bn., 1916.
| | |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 30/6/17. Ptd. Lieut.
1051| |Newman, G. C. |Apptd. Dr. Wdd. T. to 7th M.G. Coy.
| | |25/7/17.
1177| |Newnes, M. F. |M.Gr. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 11/3/16. Apptd.
| | |2nd Lieut. 26/8/16. Ptd. Captain. Wdd. 2
| | |occ.
673| |Nicholson, T. |
749| |Nielsen, O. S. |Ptd. Cpl. K. in A., France, 4-6/8/16.
192| |Nolan, R. A. |T. Ptd. 2nd Cpl.
1113| |Norman, E. H. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 12/3/16.
674| |North. H. J. |
| | |
1189| |O'Brien, T. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
359| |O'Connor, D. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 8/3/16. Ptd. Cpl.
| | |Wdd.
675| |O'Dea, P. |
1184| |O'Dell, A. R. |T. to Australian Cyclist Bn. 1916.
358| |O'Doherty, F. J. |Apptd. Dr.
138| |O'Donnell, M. |T. to I.C. Corps 1/2/16. Wdd.
139| |O'Driscoll, M. J. |T. to H.T.M. Bty. 17/6/16.
993| |O'Dwyer, W. |Medical Officer's Orderly. T. to 7th
| | |Fld. Amb. 15/8/16.
494| |Ogilvie, A. E. |T. to 48th Bn. 26/4/16.
921| |O'Keefe, W. |Wdd. 1915.
360| |Okely, E. J. |
1103| |O'Loughlin, D. F. |Wdd. 1915. T. to 7th L.T.M. Bty.,
| | |11/10/16. D. of Wds., France, 26/11/16.
910|Dr. |Olson, H. W. |
140| |O'Neill, C. |D. of Wds. whilst Prisoner of War,
| | |Germany, 5/10/16.
952| |O'Neill, J. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
141| |O'Neill, J. B. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
1030| |O'Sullivan, J. M. |Ptd. Sgt.
495| |Owen, G. J. |Wdd.
1007|Bgr. |Owen, V. R. |
| | |
679| |Page, A. H. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 9/3/16.
143| |Pannell, G. G. |Wdd.
751| |Park, J. H. |
367| |Parker, W. R. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
752|Cpl. |Parry, E. |Invalided 15/8/15.
936| |Partington, J. L. |St. Bearer. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
677| |Patterson, A. |Wdd. 1915. T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16.
| | |Ptd. T/-Cpl.
144| |Pattison, L. A. |Pioneer. Ptd. Sgt.
496|Sgt. |Pead, S. W. |D. of Wds., at sea, 22/9/15.
753| |Pearce, C. |Reg. Sig. T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy.
| | |12/8/15. Ptd. Cpl.
680| |Pearson, A. |D. of Wds., France, 18/8/16.
1174|Dr. |Peek, H. E. L. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16. Apptd. 2nd
| | |Lieut. 23/9/18.
900| |Peers, G. S. |Reg. Sig. T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy.
| | |14/3/16. Ptd. C.Q.M.S.
1079| |Pengelly, F. E. |Wdd.
145| |Penney, A. |
1133| |Pennycuick, E. H. |Wdd.
676| |Peterson, A. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16.
361| |Phillips, J. N. |T. to 5th F. Coy, Eng., 18/8/15. Apptd.
| | |Dr.
1058| |Phillis, W. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1031| |Pickering, S. |Wdd.
365| |Pickthorn, A. E. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
976| |Pierce, M. R. |
755| |Piggott, W. C. |Reg. Sig. Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 23/9/18.
| | |Ptd. Lieut. _M.M._
1032| |Pike, H. J. |Wdd. 2 occ. Ment. in Despatches.
916|Bgr. |Pilgrim, J. |
780|C.Q.M.S.|Piper, C. J. |Wdd. and invalided in 1915. Apptd. 2nd
| | |Lieut., 1/10/16 and returned with
| | |5th/44th Rfts. Ptd. Lieut. Wdd. 2nd occ.
800|Sgt. |Piper, G. H. W. |Wdd. 1915. K. in A., France, 21/5/16.
147|Cpl. |Pitt, W. H. |
756| |Plant, H. S. |Wdd. Ptd. E.R. Sgt.
362| |Podesta, A. |
363| |Pollard, J. |St. Bearer. Wdd. 2 occ.
1132| |Portch, W. |
369| |Powell, A. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
368| |Powell, G. E. |Wdd. 1915 and 2nd occ. Ment.
| | |Despatches. _M.M._ Appt. 2nd Lieut.
| | |24/1/17. K. in A. France, 26/3/17.
497| |Powell, J. |Invalided, 3/9/15.
757| |Pratt, W. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
678| |Preece, R. |Wdd.
148| |Price, H. A. E. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1085| |Price, H. G. |T. to 2nd M.G. Bn., 20/4/17. Ptd. Cpl.
364| |Price, J. L. |Wdd. 1915. T. to A.A.V. C., 10/8/17.
758| |Price, J. W. |Wdd. 3 occ. T. to 4th M.G. Coy.,
| | |18/4/18.
500| |Pritchard, F. C. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
149|Cpl. |Pritchard, T. |Wdd.
681| |Pryce, W. O. |T. to Aust. Cyclist Bn., 16/4/16.
498| |Pugh, H. |Wdd. 1915. Ptd. Cpl. T. to A.A.S.C.,
| | |3/7/17.
370| |Purdue, A. |St. Bearer. Ptd. L/Cpl. T. to 7th Fld.
| | |Amb. 29/9/16.
| | |
371| |Quick, J. K. |Ptd. Cpl. D. of Ill., Egypt, 14/8/15.
580|Dr. |Quick, J. R. |Wdd.
| | |
686| |Randle, C. |
581| |Randle, P. |K. in A., France, 16-18/11/16.
582| |Rasmussen, A. C. |D. of Ill., Egypt, 4/9/15.
509| |Raymond, H. |Wdd.
508| |Raynor, L. |Wdd.
583| |Read, P. E. |M. Gr. Ptd. Cpl. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
1033| |Reay, J. |Wdd.
510| |Redford, W. E. |Wdd. K. in A., France, 1/6/18.
682| |Reed, A. J. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
1179| |Reed, W. J. |Reg. Sig. Wdd.
584| |Reen, C. F. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 11/10/15.
1035| |Reeves, D. G. |Wdd.
373| |Reilly, E. J. |T. to 5th F. Coy., Eng., 18/8/15. Wdd.
374| |Richardson, R. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
972| |Ricketts, H. |Wdd.
507| |Rickman, F. O. |T. to Australian Cyclist Bn., 12/5/16.
| | |Ptd. R.Q.M.S. Mentioned in Despatches.
1061| |Ridley, H. B. W. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 1/6/18. Ptd. Lieut.
512| |Roach, J. |K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
376| |Robb, J. |Wdd.
151| |Robe, T. |St. Bearer. Wdd. K. in A., France,
| | |19/5/18.
687| |Roberts, W. H. |Wdd. 2 occ.
585| |Robertson, A. |
1191| |Robertson, A. S. |Reg. Sig.
970| |Robins, A. |Wdd. Invalided, 21/1/16. Rejoined
| | |2/5/17.
1034| |Robinson, F. E. |
372| |Rodd, S. H. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16. Ptd. Sgt.
| | |Wdd.
955| |Rogers, W. J. |T. to 51st Bn. and later to 13th M.G.
| | |Coy. K. in A., France, 30/3/17.
1209| |Rolfe, C. E. C. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
152| |Rosenow, A. A. |
505| |Ross, J. |
1206| |Rowe, A. J. J. |T. to 5th F. Coy., Eng., 18/8/15. Apptd.
| | |Dr.
760| |Rowe, T. R. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd
761| |Rowles, R. L. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 24/9/16. Ptd.
| | |T/-Cpl.
683| |Russell, W. E. |
1097| |Rust, J. D. |K. in A., France, 16-18/11/16.
1087| |Ruthven, G. |Wdd. 1915.
| | |
1036| |Sage, J. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
377| |St. George, M. |Ptd. Cpl.
762| |Salter, A. |K. in A., France, 4-6/8/16.
763| |Salter, F. |
1125| |Sandercock, J. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 2 occ.
1064| |Satterthwaite, W. |T. to 5th F. Coy., Eng., 18/8/15.
| | |Mentioned in Despatches.
991| |Sayer, W. R. |
1123| |Scanlan, J. A. |
1134| |Schilling, G. H. |T. to 17th A.A.S.C. 2/9/15.
527| |Schleicher, J. |Wdd.
528| |Schleicher, W. J. |Wdd. 1915.
533| |Scorer, A. |Wdd.
765| |Scott, J. |T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy. 12/8/15. Ptd.
| | |L/Cpl. _M.M._
767| |Scullin, J. J. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
691| |Seal, E. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 3/5/17.
692| |Seal, H. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
1000|Cpl. |Sears, F. |_See_ Appendix E.
1107| |Self, T. A. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
694| |Selleck, F. P. |Invalided 18/9/15. Rejoined 23/10/17.
768| |Sennett, P. F. A. |
378| |Sewell, J. |
776|R.Q.M.S.|Sexty, R. G. |_See_ Appendix E.
155| |Seymour, H. L. |Ptd. L/Sgt. Wdd. _M.M._
697| |Seymour, W. J. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
734| |Shapcott, D. W. |
530|L/Cpl. |Sharland, N. L. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
695| |Sharp, S. H. |K. in A., France, 11/8/18.
531| |Sharpe, L. J. |K. in A., France, 4-6/8/16.
156|Sgt. |Shaw, M. C. A. |Invalided 1916. Returned with 21st Rfts.
| | |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 1/10/16. Rejoined
| | |22/1/18. Ptd. Lieut. Previously served
| | |in South African War.
1167| |Shaw, R. G. G. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1108| |Shelley, R. P. |T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16. Apptd. 2nd
| | |Lieut. 9/2/17. Ptd. Lieut. K. in A.,
| | |France, 4/7/18.
517| |Shenfield, E. A. |St. Bearer. K. in A., Gallipoli,
| | |22/9/15.
769| |Sheppard, G. |
770| |Sherrit, E. |Wdd.
1076|Bgr. |Shipway, A. J. |
1038| |Sholl, H. E. |
696|Cpl. |Shorrock, J. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 1/6/18. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Wdd. Ment. in Despatches. _D.S.O._
157| |Simm, G. H. |Ptd. Cpl. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
514| |Simmonds, H. |Apptd. Dr. _M.S.M._
688| |Simpson, A. |Wdd. 1915 and 2nd occ. T. to 2nd M.G.
| | |Bn. 27/8/18.
984| |Simpson, D. |Wdd.
807|Sgt. |Simpson, J. |Ptd. R.S.M. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
519|Cpl. |Simpson, S. L. |Wdd. T. to 32nd Bn., 6/4/16.
158| |Sissons, J. E. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
771| |Siva, A. |
772| |Skerry, R. C. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1075|Sgt. |Skipworth, C. J. |
160| |Smart, J. L. |T. to 48th Bn. 26/4/16. Wdd.
1002| |Smiley, H. F. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 24/7/17. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Wdd. 1915 and 2nd occ. _M.C._
1073| |Smith, D. J. |Invalided 3/9/15. Rejoined 27/3/17.
773| |Smith, E. A. |Ptd. T/-Cpl. D. of Ill., France,
| | |19/4/16.
939| |Smith, H. |
693| |Smith, J. |Invalided 29/1/16. Rejoined 18/1/17.
524| |Snudden, A. |K. in A., Gallipoli, 14/9/15.
520| |Southey, J. W. |T. to I.C. Corps, 31/1/16. Wdd.
526| |Spratt, C. |K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
973| |Spring, F. R. |Ptd. Cpl. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
515| |Stables, W. |Ptd. Sgt.
161| |Stapleton, W. W. |Wdd. 2 occ. K. in Ac., France, 27/3/17.
162| |Starr, H. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 24/1/17. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Mentioned by the Secretary of State for
| | |War.
1067| |Stein, J. F. |Wdd.
163| |Stephens, A. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
525| |Stephenson, L. |
1154| |Stewart, A. |T. to 59th Bn. Ptd. L/Sgt. Wdd. _M.M._
518| |Stewart, J. |K. in A., France, 16-18/11/16.
522| |Stewart, R. |T. to 5th F. Coy., Eng., 18/8/15. Ptd.
| | |2nd Cpl.
698| |Stiepelman, W. L. |Wdd.
1037| |Still, S. C. |
164| |Stokes, A. |T. to I.C. Corps 1/2/16.
165|Cpl. |Stranger, A. T. |T. to 32nd Bn., 6/4/16. K. in A.,
| | |France, 20/7/16.
690| |Street, O. D. T. |
166| |Strong, J. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
516| |Stubbs, W. |Wdd. 1915.
379| |Sullivan, W. J. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
1124| |Sutton, D. |T. to I.C. Corps, 30/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl.
| | |Wdd.
956| |Sweeting, A. J. |Wdd. Belgian _Croix de Guerre_.
| | |
535| |Tacey, E. |St. Bearer.
1042| |Tapscott, E. E. |
987| |Tarrant, O. F. |
1040| |Tassicker, F. S. |Ptd. L/Cpl.
702| |Taupin, L. |
1057| |Taylor, E. |
168| |Taylor, F. C. |Reg. Sig. Ptd. Cpl.
1041| |Terrell, C. |Apptd. Dr.
386| |Terry, A. |
382| |Terry, G. H. |
1626| |Thetford, H. |Ptd. L/Sgt.
537|Dr. |Thomas, A. B. |T. to I.C. Corps, 1/2/16. Ptd. Sgt.
536| |Thomas, A. L. |Wdd. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn., 5/11//17.
703| |Thomas, F. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1071| |Thomas, H. C. |T. to 48th Bn., 26/4/16.
173| |Thomas, H. G. |K. in A., France, 15/9/16.
380| |Thomas, H. H. |
1043| |Thomas, P. G. |Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
540|Cpl. |Thomas, R. A. |
949| |Thomas, S. B. |A.A.M.C. Detail. T. to 7th M.G. Coy.,
| | |16/3/17. Ptd. Cpl.
169| |Thomas, W. D. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
170| |Thomas, W. N. |Invalided to Australia 25/9/15. Returned
| | |and T. to 46th Bn., 20/4/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
| | |_M.M._
1081| |Thompson, A. H. |T. to 51st Bn., 2/5/18. K. in A.,
| | |France, 10/6/18.
701|Sgt. |Thompson, S. S. |Orderly Room Sergt. Ptd. C.S.M. D. of
| | |Wds., France, 19/8/16.
980| |Thomson, J. L. |K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
171| |Thorley, F. |T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn., 13/3/16.
538| |Thorp, A. |Wdd.
383| |Thorpe, W. W. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
699| |Tolerton, D. |Ptd. L/Sgt.
700| |Tomasini, J. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
539| |Toolin, W. |
384| |Trenorden, L. C. |Ptd. Cpl. _M.M._ K. in A., France,
| | |3-6/11/16.
1006|Bgr. |Tucker, W. H. |
172| |Tugby, S. |T. to 2nd A.G.H. 31/12/15.
174| |Tully, J. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
385| |Tummel, G. E. |
1039| |Tyson, H. H. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
| | |
705| |Uren, R. |
| | |
706| |Venton, A. R. |Wdd. 1915. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 31/3/17.
| | |Ptd. Lieut.
707| |Vincent, A. E. |
176| |Vincent, W. |D. of Wds., France, 12/8/18.
| | |
1152| |Waddingham, F. H. |M.Gr. T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16. Apptd.
| | |2nd Lieut. 13/12/16. D. of Wds., France,
| | |10/3/17.
715| |Walker, R. |Wdd. 2 occ. _M.M._
716|Cpl. |Walker, R. E. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 24/1/17. T. to 3rd
| | |Aust. Rly Coy., 30/8/17. Ptd. Captain.
177|L/Cpl. |Walker, T. E. W. |Ptd. C.Q.M.S.
947|Bgr. |Wallace, E. A. |
387| |Waller, E. |St. Bearer.
1110| |Walsh, C. R. |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 5/8/17. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Wdd.
907|Dr. |Walsh, J. P. |Wdd.
712| |Walsh, T. P. |
547|Cpl. |Waltham, R. |Invalided to Australia 31/8/15. Returned
| | |and T. to 8th Bn. 17/5/16. K. in A.,
| | |France, 18/8/16.
542| |Ward, J. H. |Ptd. Cpl. K. in A., Belgium, 28/10/17.
1048| |Ward, W. |Ptd. L/Cpl.
1047| |Watson, E. |
179| |Watson, J. E. |T. to 4th Pnr. Bn. 18/5/16. Ptd. Sgt.
| | |Wdd. _M.M._
1169| |Watson, J. S. |D. of Wds., France, 18/7/18.
711| |Watson, R. A. |K. in A., France, 20/7/16.
1044| |Webb, A. G. |Ptd. Sgt.
724| |Weir, J. |T. to 48th Bn. 26/4/16. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
| | |2 occ.
725| |Wellington, H. |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
550| |West, C. |
1109| |Whelan, J. |D. of Wds., France, 8/8/16.
545| |White, M. |T. to 51st Bn. 2/4/16. K. in A., France,
| | |25/4/18.
709|Bgr. |White, P. |T. to 16th A.A.S.C., 18/8/15. Apptd. Dr.
| | |Wdd.
181| |Whiteaker, W. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1012|Bgr. |Whitfield, E. A. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
182| |Whittingham, J. |
1170| |Whologan, T. L. |T. to 4th M.G. Coy. 27/5/16. Ptd. T/Cpl.
| | |Wdd. 2 occ.
1084| |Williams, D. J. |Invalided 31/8/15. Rejoined 24/8/16.
1210| |Williams, D. R. |
183| |Williams, E. G. |
184|Sgt. |Williams, J. Z. |Wdd.
728| |Williams, L. G. |
723| |Williams, R. H. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
185| |Williams, R. J. G. |T. to 46th Bn. 10/7/16. Wdd 2 occ.
549| |Williams, T. |
548| |Williams, W. R. |Pioneer. T. to 10th Light Horse, 5/3/16.
186| |Williamson, W. F. |Wdd.
722| |Wilson, A. |D. of Wds., Gallipoli, 12/10/15.
546| |Wilson, B. B. R. |Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
187| |Wilson, E. |Reg. Sig. D. of Ill., Australia,
| | |11/7/16.
388|Cpl. |Wilson, L. G. |Ptd. Sgt. K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
929|Dr. |Wilson, N. S. |Ptd. Sgt. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
718| |Wilson, T. |T. to 2nd M.G. Bn., 3/3/16. Ptd. Sgt.
| | |_D.C.M._
719| |Wilson, T. |
1181| |Wilson, W. H. |Wdd. 2 occ.
389|Cpl. |Wilson, W. L. |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. _M.M._
717| |Wingrove, A. |K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1099| |Winters, B. |Wdd. Invalided 9/2/16. Rejoined 18/1/17.
| | |Ptd. Cpl. _M.M._
188| |Wintle, E. A. |T. to A.A.S.C., 15/11/15, and afterwards
| | |to 5th M.G. Bn., 6/9/18. Appt. 2nd
| | |Lieut. 1/6/18. Ptd. Lieut.
713| |Wise, T. |Wdd.
1045| |Wishart, W. J. |
541| |Withers, G. |
783|Sgt. |Wolstenholme, R. |Ptd. C.S.M. D. of Ill., Egypt, 24/2/16.
189| |Wood, G. B. |Wdd. 2 occ.
190| |Woodford, E. L. |Wdd. 3 occ.
899|Cpl. |Woodrow, H. W. |Ptd. Sig. Sgt.
552| |Woodward, E. |Wdd. 1915.
710| |Woodward, T. J. |T. to 48th Bn., 25/4/16.
544| |Wright, A. E. |T. to 58th Bn., 29/2/16.
727| |Wright, F. |D. of wds., Malta, 28/11/15.
191| |Wright, L. |Invalided to Australia, 4/8/15. Returned
| | |and T. to 5th Pnr. Bn. _M.M._
| | |
911| |Yeldon, R. A. |Reg. Sig. Wdd.
1153| |Yelverton, M. W. |M. Gr. T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 11/8/16.
| | |Apptd. 2nd Lieut., 18/11/16. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Wdd.
----+--------+--------------------+----------------------------------------
=SUMMARY.=
Number of Names on the Roll (Officers not included) 997
Actual Strength of Battalion on Embarkation--
Officers 34
Warrant Officers 10
Staff Sergeants and Sergeants 35
Corporals and Lance-Corporals 40
Privates 912
-----
Total 1,031
-----
Casualties amongst Original Members during the War--
Officers. Other Ranks.
Killed in Action 4 216
Died of Wounds 4 60
Died of Illness 2 14
Died from Other Causes - 2
---- -----
Total Deaths 10 292
---- -----
Percentage of Casualties (Deaths) to Strength--
Officers 29.4
Other Ranks 29.3
N.B.--The exact figures in regard to the wounded are not available. The
percentage was very high.
Number of Original Members who gained Commissions in the Field 63
Number of Honours conferred on Original Members for Gallant Conduct
and Distinguished Service 80
Appendix I.
28TH BATTALION, AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE.
NOMINAL ROLL OF MEMBERS OF REINFORCEMENTS WHO JOINED THE
BATTALION IN THE FIELD PRIOR TO THE 21ST MARCH, 1916.
NOTES.
1. The abbreviations used in Appendix H. apply to this Roll.
2. The number of the Reinforcement to which the Member belonged is
indicated by the first figure which occurs in the column headed
"Memoranda."
3. The date on which the Member joined the Battalion in the Field is
shown thus--"J.18/8/15."
----+---------+------------------+-----------------------------------------
| Rank on | |
Reg.| Embarka-| |
No. | tion. | Name. | Memoranda.
----+---------+------------------+-----------------------------------------
1506| |Akers, J. G. A. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 13/3/16.
| | |Apptd. Dr.
2338| |Alderman, C. |5. J.19/1/16. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 11/3/16.
| | |Wdd. 2 occ.
2339| |Allan, A. |5. J.19/1/16. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 11/3/16.
1888|Prov.Cpl.|Allanson, C. |3. J.12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |4-6/8/16.
1805| |Allen, N. |2. J.12/10/15. T. to 4th Pnr. Bn.
| | |24/11/16.
1889| |Allen, W. L. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to A. Army Ordnance
| | |Corps 1/9/17. Ptd. E.R. Warrant Officer,
| | |C1.2
2113| |Alletson, J. C. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
2114| |Anderson, A. |4. J.19/1/16.
1662| |Anderson, G. |2. J.12/10/15.
3003|Prov.Sgt.|Anderson, H. M. M.|7. J.15/3/16. Wdd. 2 occ. T. to A.A. Pay
| | |Corps 21/10/16. Ptd. T/-Sgt. Ment. by
| | |the Secretary of State for War.
3006|Prov.Sgt.|Anderson, J. T. |7. J.15/3/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1891| |Anderson, S. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
1890| |Anderson, W. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
3030| |Andrews, E. C. |7. J.6/3/16. T. to 15th Bn. 7/3/16. Wdd.
1664| |Annesley, F. |2. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
2115| |Arcus, G. A. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 6/8/16.
1666| |Armstrong, H. J. |2. J.12/10/15.
2340| |Armstrong, R. |5. J/19/1/16. K. in A., France, 4-6/8/16.
2342| |Arundell, R. T. |5. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
1668| |Atkins, E. R. |2. J.29/12/15. K. in A., France, 5/11/16.
2116| |Attwood, C. S. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
2343| |A'Vard, W. H. |5. J.19/1/16.
1508| |Ayling, H. E. |1. J.18/8/15. K. in A., Belgium, 2/11/17.
1634| |Bailye, J. |1. J.18/8/15. Wdd.
1509| |Baker, F. |1. J.18/8/15. Wdd. 3 occ.
1670| |Bannister, G. |2. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
1513| |Barnaby, G. |1. J.18/8/15. D. of Wds., France, 4/8/16.
2344| |Baron, B. E. |5. J.19/1/16. Apptd. Dr. Wdd. 3 occ.
1517| |Barrett, H. W. |1. J.18/8/15.
1892| |Barron, J. |3. J.19/1/16.
1672| |Bateman, C. E. |2. J.29/12/15. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn.
| | |10/3/16. Wdd. K. in A., France, 5/10/18.
2117| |Bayliss, J. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France,
| | |3-6/11/16.
2119| |Beaton, R. |4. J.19/1/16.
1673| |Beckley, A. J. A. |2. J.12/10/15. Ptd. L/Sgt. Wdd.
1893| |Beckwith, J. M. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to 7th F. Coy., Eng.,
| | |7/3/16. Ptd. Cpl.
1883|Prov.Cpl.|Bedford, H. |3. J.12/10/15. Ptd. Cpl. K. in A.,
| | |France, 4-6/8/16.
1674| |Beeton, F. |2. J.12/10/15.
1512| |Bell, J. L. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to 51st Bn. 2/4/16.
2347| |Bell, T. |5. J.19/1/16.
2348| |Bell, W. |5. J.19/1/16. D. of Wds., Belgium,
| | |22/9/17.
2346| |Bennett, A. T. |5. J.19/1/16. Wdd. 2. occ.
1675| |Bennett, H. C. |2. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
1622| |Bennett, R. W. |1. J.18/8/15. K. in A., France,
| | |3-6/11/16.
1894| |Bernard, A. |3. J.19/1/16. T. to 2nd M.G. Bn. 23/3/18.
| | |K. in A., France, 4/7/18.
1807| |Berndt, F. J. |2. J.29/12/15. T. to 2nd Div. Salvage
| | |Coy, 24/1/17.
1895| |Bickford, A. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to I.C. Corps, 1/2/16.
| | |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 1/7/16. Ptd. Captain
| | |Adjutant 3rd Camel Bn. 1917-18. Wdd. 1915
| | |and 2 occ. later. _M.C._
1896| |Billings, J. V. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd. K. in A., France,
| | |3/5/17.
1897| |Bishop, F. J. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to 32nd Bn. 10/3/16.
| | |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 2 occ. K. in A., France,
| | |23/6/18.
2349| |Blackham, F. M. |5. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
2020| |Blaikie, W. |3. J.19/1/16. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 3/5/16.
| | |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
1898| |Blaikie, W. B. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn.
| | |10/3/16. Apptd. Dr.
1516| |Blatchly, C. D. C.|1. J.18/8/15. T. to 51st Bn. 2/4/16. Wdd.
| | |2 occ.
1899| |Blechynden, A. W. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
1900| |Bodinner, C. |3. J.12/10/15.
1906| |Bolt, J. W. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
2118| |Bond, F. |4. J.19/1/16. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 22/10/17.
| | |Ptd. Lieut.
2350| |Boothby, A. |5. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 4-6/8/16.
1515| |Bowman, W. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to A.A.S.C. 4/1/18.
| | |Apptd. Dr.
2120| |Bowron, T. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
2105|A/-Sgt. |Brady, E. W. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. T/-Cpl. D. of Wds.,
| | |France, 3/3/17.
2110|A/-Cpl. |Brady, F. |4. J.19/1/16.
2121| |Brankstone, H. |4. J.19/1/16.
2352| |Breakell, S. |5. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France,
| | |3-6/11/16.
2122| |Brealey, J. W. |4. J.19/1/16. T. to H.T.M.Bty. 22/4/16.
| | |Ptd. Sgt.
2353| |Brindley, R. |5. J.19/1/16. T. to 12th F.A.Bde.,
| | |6/2/18. Apptd. Dr. Wdd.
1905| |Britt, N. W. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd. 1915. K. in A.,
| | |France, 29/7/16.
2125| |Britten, L. |4. J.19/1/16. D. of Wds., England,
| | |13/6/16.
2124| |Britten, W. H. |4. J.19/1/16.
2332|Prov.Cpl.|Bromilow, J. L. |5. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1676| |Bromley, T. H. |2. J.12/10/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
1901| |Brooks, A. W. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd. 1915.
1514| |Broomfield, F. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to 7th F. Coy., Eng.,
| | |7/3/16. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 26/3/17.
| | |Ptd. Lieut. Wdd.
1511| |Brown, A. |1. J.18/8/15. Wdd. 1915.
1677| |Brown, A. J. |2. J.12/10/15. Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A.,
| | |France, 29/7/16.
2126| |Brown, E. M. |4. J/19/1/16. T. to 2nd Div. Hqrs.,
| | |24/1/16. Ptd. S.Q.M.S.
1904| |Brown, H. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
1610| |Brown, J. |1. J.25/10/15.
1902| |Brown, T. |3. J.29/12/15. Wdd.
1903| |Brown, T. A. |3. J.12/10/15. D. of Wds., France,
| | |8/11/16.
1510| |Brown, W. |1. J.18/8/15.
1678| |Brown, W. |2. J.12/10/15.
1679| |Bruce-Drayton, |2. J.29/12/15. Ptd. E.R.Cpl. Wdd.
| | G. A. H. |
3057| |Butler, J. |7. J.15/3/16.
| | |
2133| |Cadd, C. A. |4. J.19/1/16. T. to 7th L.T.M.Bty.
| | |26/7/16.
2134| |Cadd, G. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. _M.M._
2354| |Cadden, J. J. |5. J.10/3/16. T. to Aust. Provo. Corps
| | |9/7/16. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 6/10/17.
| | |Ptd. Lieut. D. of Ill., England,
| | |31/10/18.
2331|Prov.Cpl.|Callaghan, J. |5. J.19/1/16.
2355| |Campbell, G. W. |5. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Cpl.
1681| |Carlsen, T. E. |2. J.12/10/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1682| |Carr, J. |2. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
2357| |Carrington, V. J. |5. J.19/1/16. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 13/3/16.
| | |Wdd. 3 occ.
1683| |Carson, W. |2. J.12/10/15. D. of Wds., Belgium,
| | |20/9/17.
1907| |Carter, H. |3. J.29/12/15. K. in A., France,
| | |4-6/8/16.
2111|A/-Cpl. |Carter, T. A. |4. J.19/1/16. T. to 7th L.T.M. Bty.
| | |4/6/16. Ptd. Cpl. D. of Wds., France,
| | |1/6/18.
2358| |Carter, W. G. C. |5. J.19/1/16.
1684| |Casey, W. P. |2. J.12/10/15.
1908| |Castle, A. E. |3. J.12/10/15. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. _D.C.M._
2128| |Castle, A. V. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1609| |Chalmers, W. R. |1. J.18/8/15. D. of Wds., France,
| | |30/7/16.
2359| |Chandler, E. A. |5. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1632| |Chandler, H. |1. J.18/8/15. Ptd. Cpl. D. of Wds.,
| | |Belgium, 12/3/18.
1686| |Cheeseman, J. |2. J.25/10/15. Invalided 13/3/16.
| | |Rejoined 2/5/17. Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A.,
| | |France, 3/10/18.
1687| |Chivers, H. |2. J.12/10/15. Ptd. Sgt. _M.S.M._
2129| |Clancy, J. M. |4. J.29/12/15. T. to I.C. Corps, 30/1/16.
| | |Rejoined Bn. 18/11/17.
1885| |Clark, R. W. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to 2nd M.G. Bn.
| | |20/3/18. Wdd.
1688| |Clarke, W. J. A. |2. J.12/10/15. T. to 7th F. Coy., Eng.,
| | |7/3/16. Wdd.
2130| |Clausen, H. W. |4. J.19/1/16.
1689| |Clayton, T. G. |2. J.12/10/15. Ptd. Sgt. K. in A.,
| | |France, 8/8/18.
2360| |Cliff, S. F. |5. J.22/1/16. T. to 11th Bn. 4/3/16.
1525| |Clohessy, S. |1. J.18/8/15. Invalided 29/8/15.
1909| |Coffey, E. J. |3. J.12/10/15.
1520| |Coleman, G. A. |1. J.18/8/15. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. _M.S.M._
1523| |Coll, E. A. |1. J.18/8/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1690| |Collins, J. G. |2. J.12/10/15. Wdd. 1915. Invalided.
1911| |Collins, R. J. R. |3. J.12/10/15.
1691| |Connelly, G. |2. J.12/10/15.
2132|A/-Cpl. |Connolly, M. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A.,
| | |France, 29/7/16.
1910| |Connolly, R. P. |3. J.29/12/15. Wdd.
1692| |Cook, J. A. |2. J.12/10/15. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn.,
| | |14/3/16. Ptd. Sgt.
2361| |Cook, O. |5. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2136| |Coomber, F. H. G. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
1882|Prov.Cpl.|Corboy, E. W. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
1914| |Cornell, A. S. |3. J.29/12/15.
1521| |Cornish, E. C. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 13/3/16.
| | |Wdd.
1693| |Coskry, J. G. |2. J.29/12/15. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. _M.S.M._
1694| |Costello, F. P. |2. J.12/10/15. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 1915.
2131| |Cottage, L. |4. J.19/1/16. D. of Wds., France,
| | |6/11/16.
1913| |Courtis, W. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to 51st Bn. 2/4/16.
1695| |Cowden, J. A. |2. J.12/10/15.
1912| |Cox, G. L. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to 3rd Echelon, G.H.Q.
| | |1/12/17. Ptd. Sgt.
2362| |Cramb, F. B. |5. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 2 occ. D. of
| | |Wds., France, 10/7/18.
2363| |Criddle, D. |5. J.19/1/16.
1916| |Crisp, S. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to 7th L.T.M. Bty.
| | |15/8/16. Ptd. L/Cpl.
1522| |Crossman, A. R. |1. J.18/8/15. Wdd.
2364| |Cullen, C. E. |5. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2024| |Cuming, A. M. |3. J.12/10/15.
1524| |Cuming, J. M. |1. J.18/8/15. Wdd.
1696| |Curtin, E. |2. J.12/10/15. T. to I.C. Corps 1/2/16.
1915| |Cusack, M. P. |3. J.29/12/15. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 3 occ.
| | |
2139| |Dalton, W. H. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
1917| |Dalziell, R. J. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
2137| |Daniels, C. A. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A.,
| | |France, 26/3/17.
1878|Prov.Sgt.|Davey, P. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to 2nd Div. Salvage
| | |Coy. 24/1/17. Ptd. L/Cpl.
2366| |Davies, I. D. |5. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1528| |Davis, E. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to 7th F. Coy., Eng.,
| | |7/3/16. K. in A., France, 8/1/17.
2365| |Davis, T. J. |5. J.19/1/16. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 12/3/16.
| | |Wdd.
1919| |Davis, W. P. |3. J.25/10/15. Invalided 21/1/16.
| | |Rejoined 23/1/17. K. in A., France,
| | |10/6/18.
2102|A/-Sgt. |Dawkins, O. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Cpl.
1918| |Dawson, A. |3. J.12/10/15. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 1915 and
| | |3 occ. later.
2255| |Dawson, H. E. |4. J.19/1/16.
2140| |Dean, W. J. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
2329|Prov.Sgt.|Decke, H. |5. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
1920| |Dedman, H. T. |3. J.12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |3-6/11/16.
1529| |D'Emarchi, H. C. |1. J.18/8/15. Wdd.
2367| |Dench, G. H. |5. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1526| |Dent, E. A. |1. J.18/8/15. Invalided 28/1/16. Rejoined
| | |19/2/17. K. in A., France, 10/3/17.
1921| |Denton, H. J. |3. J.12/10/15. Ptd. L/Sgt. Wdd.
2141| |Digwood, C. J. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
2021| |Dixon, A. A. |3. J.29/12/15. K. in A., Belgium,
| | |20/9/17.
1922| |Dixon, W. A. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to 7th M.G. Coy.
| | |22/11/17. Apptd. Dr.
1923| |Dodds, J. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
2142| |Doherty, B. L. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2368| |Douglas, P. A. |5. J.19/1/16. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn.,
| | |12/3/16.
1527| |Douglas, T. L. |1. J.5/11/15. D. of Wds., France,
| | |4-6/8/16.
1699| |Dovell, H. J. |2. J.12/10/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1698| |Dovell, L. |2. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
1924| |Downey, W. J. |3. J.12/10/15. Apptd. Dr.
2369| |Drury, A. |5. J.19/1/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
2143| |Dudley, F. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2144| |Duncan, G. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
1530| |Dunkley, I. E. |1. J.18/8/15. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 16/8/16.
| | |Ptd. Captain.
2370| |Dunn, R. H. |5. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 3 occ.
| | |_M.M._
| | |
2145| |Eastwood, A. G. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd. K. in A., France,
| | |26/3/17.
1607| |Edmonds, E. |1. J.18/8/15. K. in A., Belgium, 20/9/17.
2371| |Edwards, E. C. |5. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France,
| | |28-29/7/16.
1532| |Edwards, E. M. |1. J.18/8/15. D. of Ill., Egypt, 12/2/16.
1926| |Edwards, H. J. |3. J.29/12/15. Wdd.
2372| |Edwards, M. C. |5. J.19/1/16. Wdd. _M.M._
1925| |Edwards, R. G. |3. J.12/10/15.
1700| |Edwards, S. R. |2. J.29/12/15. Wdd.
2016| |Egan, T. W. |3. J.12/10/15. Ptd. Sgt.
1930| |Ellement, H. A. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd. 1915.
1630| |Elliott, D. L. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to Aust. Provo Corps,
| | |9/9/17. Ptd. E.R. 2nd Cpl.
1533| |Elliott, G. |1. J.18/8/15.
2373| |Elliott, W. |5. J.19/1/16.
1927| |Elsegood, E. R. |3. J.29/12/15. T. to 22nd M.G. Coy.
| | |18/12/17. Wdd.
1701| |Emery, H. V. |2. J.12/10/15. Wdd. 4 occ. _D.C.M._
2146| |Emery, J. W. |4. J.29/12/15. Ptd. C.S.M. Wdd. 3 occ.
1928| |Evans, A. W. |3. J.3/11/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2375| |Everett, J. |5. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 3/8/16.
1929| |Evetts, P. V. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
| | |
1931| |Farrell, J. A. |3. J.29/12/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
1534|Cpl. |Ferguson, H. K. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to 51st Bn., 2/4/16.
| | |K. in A., France, 24/4/18.
2376| |Feutrill, T. W. |5. J.19/1/16. T. to 11th Bn., 4/3/16.
| | |K. in A., France, 22-25/7/16.
1703| |Fairns, C. G. |2. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
1704| |Firth, A. |2. J.29/12/15. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 2 occ.
1932| |Fitzgerald, E. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd. 1915.
2377| |Fitzgerald, N. F. |5. J.19/1/16. T. to 7th M.G. Coy.,
| | |8/2/18. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
1933| |Fitzpatrick, F. M.|3. J.12/10/15. T. to 7th M.G. Coy., 3/3/16.
| | |3/3/16. Ptd. T/C.S.M. Wdd. 3 occ.
| | |_D.C.M._, _M.M._
1706| |Fitzpatrick, J. M.|2. J.29/12/15. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn.,
| | |14/3/16. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
2378| |Fleming, S. J. |5. J.19/1/16.
2150| |Foley, A. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
2148| |Foot, J. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
2153| |Ford, R. H. |4. J.19/1/16.
1535| |Fordham, C. T. |1. J.18/8/15. K. in A., Belgium,
| | |10/10/16.
2151| |Forrest, A. J. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
2379| |Forrest, J. C. |5. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
1617| |Forrester, R. E. |1. J.22/8/15. Ptd. T/Sgt. Ment. in
| | |Despatches.
2381| |Forth, A. |5. J.19/1/16. D. of Wds., France,
| | |30/5/16.
1935| |Foster, G. |3. J.12/1/15. Wdd. 2 occ. K. in A.,
| | |Belgium, 20/9/17.
2152| |Foster, L. N. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd. D. of Wds., France,
| | |13/11/16.
2154| |Foster, R. T. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
1707| |Foster, W. G. |2. J.12/10/15.
2149| |Fox, J. A. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 2 occ.
| | |French _Croix de Guerre_. Mentioned
| | |in Despatches.
2382| |Freddy, G. |5. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
1887|Prov.Cpl.|Freeman, V. S. |3. J.12/10/15. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 3 occ.
2383| |Fry, J. |5. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
| | |
1936| |Gardner, H. C. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn.,
| | |9/3/16. Ptd. Staff Sgt.
1709| |Gaston, D. J. L. |2. J.12/10/15. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. K. in A.,
| | |France, 3/5/17.
2157| |Gatenby, G. H. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1537| |George, S. |1. J.18/8/15.
1539| |Gibb, D. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 12/3/16.
1937| |Gibbs, J. W. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
2156| |Gibbs, L. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
1710| |Gilbert, P. G. |2. J.12/10/15. T. to 48th Bn. 26/4/16,
| | |K. in A., France, 14/8/18.
1938| |Gillies, J. |3. J. 12/10/15. T. to A.A. Postal Corps
| | |9/9/16. Rejoined Bn. 20/10/17. Wdd.
1711| |Gleeson, S. J. |2. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., Gallipoli,
| | |15/10/15.
1540| |Glew, G. A. |1. J. 18/8/15. Wdd. D. of Wds., England,
| | |19/11/17.
1712| |Golden, J. |2. J. 12/10/15. Wdd.
2386| |Golding, A. |5. J. 19/1/16. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn.
| | |12/3/16. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
1939| |Golding, G. B. |3. J. 12/10/15. Ptd. Cpl. D. of Wds.,
| | |Belgium, 4/11/17.
1713| |Goodisson, A. |2. J. 12/10/15. Wdd.
2388| |Gould, A. J. |5. J. 19/1/16. K. in A., France, 7/6/16.
2390| |Graham, M. |5. J. 19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2158| |Gray, F. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
3113| |Gray, J. J. |7. J. 15/3/16. Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A.,
| | |Belgium, 4/10/17.
1942| |Green, F. L. |3. J. 29/12/15. T. to 7th F. Coy., Eng.,
| | |7/3/16. K. in A., France, 27/5/18.
2155| |Green, G. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd. Apptd. 2nd Lieut.
| | |6/1/19. Ptd. Lieut.
1714| |Green, J. H. |2. J. 12/10/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
1943| |Green, P. I. |3. J. 12/10/15. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. Ptd.
| | |Cpl.
2159| |Green, R. |4. J. 19/1/16.
1940| |Greenwood, W. |3. J. 12/10/15.
2391| |Grigsby, W. E. |5. J. 19/1/16. T. to 51st Bn. 2/4/16.
| | |Wdd.
1941| |Groat, D. |3. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |3-6/11/16.
| | |
1715| |Hadden, A. |2. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
1716| |Hale, F. L. |2. J. 12/10/15. D. of Wds., France,
| | |23/8/16.
2392| |Hall, R. |5. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
1544| |Hall, R. V. |1. J. 18/8/15. T. to 10th L. Horse,
| | |23/10/15.
1545| |Hallam, E. J. |1. J. 18/8/15. D. of Ill., at Sea,
| | |24/10/15.
2160| |Halls, J. A. |4. J. 19/1/16.
2163| |Halton, P. J. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd. 2. occ. Apptd. Hon.
| | |Sgt.
1877|Prov.Sgt.|Hammond, A. P. |3. J. 12/10/15. Ptd. Cpl. K. in A.,
| | |France, 27-29/8/16.
2162| |Hann, E. F. |4. J. 19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1719| |Hannan, F. O. |2. J. 12/10/15. Wdd.
3134| |Hardie, A. |7. J. 15/3/16. Ptd. C.S.M. Wdd. 2 occ.
1949| |Hardwick, A. E. |3. J. 29/12/15. Wdd.
2161| |Hargrave, W. |4. J. 19/1/16. T. to 7th M.G. Coy.
| | |17/7/16. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 12/2/17. Ptd.
| | |Lieut. Wdd. 2 occ.
2250| |Harper, F. W. |4. J. 19/1/16. T. to Aust. Provo. Corps
| | |16/9/16. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 1/1/17. Ptd.
| | |Lieut.
3127| |Harper, R. H. |7. J. 15/3/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1944| |Harrington, F. L. |3. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |27-29/8/16.
1542| |Harris, A. |1. J. 18/8/15. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 3 occ.
1721| |Harris, E. |2. J. 12/10/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
2403| |Harrison, J. |5. J. 19/1/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
1547| |Hart, H. J. |1. J. 18/8/15.
1722| |Hart, M. |2. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
1653|A/Cpl. |Hartshorn, |2. J. 12/10/15. T. to I.C. Corps,
| | A. H. E. |30/1/16. Ptd. Sgt.
1724| |Harvey, T. J. |2. J. 12/10/15. Apptd. Dr.
2393| |Harwood, W. |5. J. 19/1/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
1543| |Hawkins, F. W. |1. J. 18/8/15. T. to 16th Bn. Ptd. L/Cpl.
| | |Wdd.
1654|A/Sgt. |Hawkins, G. O. |2. J. 12/10/15. T. to 12th F. Coy., Eng.,
| | |25/7/16. Ptd. T/Sgt. Wdd.
1945| |Hawkins, J. |3. J. 12/10/15.
2164| |Hay, C. H. |4. J. 29/1/16. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn.
| | |14/3/16. Wdd.
1725| |Healey, A. P. |2. J. 19/1/16. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
1951| |Helm, W. |3. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |10/16/18.
1726| |Henderson, F. G. |2. J. 19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2394| |Henkel, H. W. |5. J. 19/1/16. T. to A.A. Pay Corps
| | |13/4/17. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 2 occ.
2395| |Hepburn, C. J. |5. J. 19/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl.
2165| |Herbert, F. W. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
1727| |Herdsman, A. J. |2. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
1548| |Herron, R. |1. J. 18/8/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2166| |Hewitt, H. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd. 3 occ. Ment. in
| | |Corps. Orders.
1728| |Hicks, W. H. |2. J. 12/10/15. Ptd. T/Cpl. K. in A.,
| | |Belgium, 4/10/17.
1729| |Hill, A. J. |2. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
2167| |Hines, A. |4. J. 19/1/16. D. of ill., England,
| | |16/8/16.
1946| |Hobbins, S. J. |3. J. 12/10/15.
2396| |Hobbs, R. C. |5. J. 19/1/16. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
2168| |Hodges, F. G. |4. J. 19/1/16. T. to H.T.M. Bty. 22/4/16.
| | |Wdd. 2 occ.
1732| |Hodsdon, L. |2. J. 12/10/15. Wdd.
1947| |Hoey, A. |3. J. 29/12/15. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
1633| |Hoffman, J. |1. J. 18/8/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
1948| |Holden, T. G. |3. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |4-6/8/16.
1733| |Holgate, W. R. |2. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
1734| |Houston, H. J. |2. J. 12/10/15. Wdd.
2169| |Howarth, W. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd. 3 occ. _M.M._
3148| |Howe, W. J. |7. J. 15.3.16. D. of Wds., Germany,
| | |whilst prisoner of war, 17/10/17.
2170| |Howells, J. W. |4. J. 19/1/16.
2399| |Howes, F. W. P. |5. J. 19/1/16. T. to 48th Bn. 26/4/16.
3152| |Hubbard, H. |7. J. 15/3/16. Wdd.
2400| |Hughes, W. R. |5. J. 19/1/16. Wdd. _M.M._
2401| |Hunt, C. R. |5. J. 19/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
2402| |Hunton, S. |5. J. 19/1/16. T. to 7th Fld. Amb.
| | |29/12/17. Wdd.
3156| |Hutchison, C. T. |7. J. 19/1/16. K. in A., France,
| | |28-29/7/16.
| | |
1736| |Ing, G. L. |2. J. 12/10/15. T. to 14th M.G. Coy.
| | |24/4/16. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 26/8/16. Ptd.
| | |Lieut. Ment. in Despatches. Wdd.
1737| |Inkpen, L. H. |2. J. 12/10/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
2171| |Inwood, W. T. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
| | |
1738| |Jackson, J. T. |2. J. 12/10/15. Wdd.
1953| |Jackson, W. B. |3. J. 12/10/15. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 7/4/17.
| | |D. of Wds., France, 3/5/17.
1952| |Jackson, W. J. |3. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |16-18/11/16.
1954| |Jefferies, F. |3. J. 12/10/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
2172| |Jellings, S. |4. J. 19/1/16. Ptd. L/Sgt. Wdd.
1955| |Jenkins, O. |3. J. 12/10/15. T. to 13th Light Horse
| | |7/12/15.
2173| |Jenyns, A. C. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
2174| |Job, E. E. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
1956| |Johnson, A. E. |3. J. 12/10/15. T. to I.C. Corps, 1/2/16.
2405| |Johnson, J. W. |5. J. 19/1/16. T. to A.A. Ordnance Corps
| | |1/9/17. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
1957| |Johnson, W. B. |3. J. 19/1/16. Wdd. 2 occ. K. in A.,
| | |France, 3/5/17.
1550| |Johnston, E. C. |1. J. 18/8/15. T. to 10th Light Horse,
| | |22/1/16. Apptd. Dr.
1958| |Jones, A. C. |3. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
1961| |Jones, E. H. |3. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., Belgium,
| | |20/9/17.
2175| |Jones, F. |4. J. 19/1/16. D. of Wds., France,
| | |12/3/17.
1960| |Jones, L. F. |3. J. 12/10/15.
1740| |Joyce, G. |2. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |3-6/11/16.
| | |
2176| |Keals, D. P. |4. J. 19/1/16. T. to 2nd Div. Hqrs.,
| | |14/8/17. Ptd. L/Sgt. Wdd.
2177| |Keals, F. L. |4. J. 19/1/16. K. in A., France, 21/5/16.
2406| |Keillor, D. |5. J. 19/1/16.
3164| |Kelly, F. M. |7. J. 15/3/16. K. in A., France,
| | |3-6/11/16.
1742| |Kenworthy, D. W. |2. J. 12/10/15. Ptd. L. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
| | |_M.M._
1743| |King, G. H. |2. J. 29/12/15.
1552| |Kirkham, W. E. |1. J. 18/8/15. Apptd. Dr.
1963| |Knight, F. C. |3. J. 12/10/15.
| | |
1554| |Lee, R. |1. J. 18/8/15. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. K. in A.,
| | |France, 26/3/17.
1502|Sgt. |Leeds, J. M. |1. J. 18/8/15. Invalided 21/1/16.
| | |Rejoined 5/10/17. Apptd. 2nd Lieut.
| | |1/1/19. Ptd. Lieut.
3174| |Leigh, C. T. |7. J. 15/3/16. K. in A., France, 10/5/16.
1744| |Leonard, R. J. |2. J. 12/10/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
2407| |Lewis, H. G. |5. J. 19/1/16.
2017| |Liardet, V. G. |3. J. 29/12/15. T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy.
| | |2/4/17.
1624| |Lindahn, J. |1. J. 18/8/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1555| |Long, C. R. |1. J. 18/8/15. Wdd.
1964| |Lord, W. E. |3. J. 12/10/15. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
2180| |Louder, W. J. |4. J. 19/1/16.
1965| |Lovell, J. B. |3. J. 12/10/15. Wdd.
2410| |Lucas, S. R. |5. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
1745| |Lukin, H. W. |2. J. 29/12/15. Ptd. T/Sgt. K. in A.,
| | |France, 29/7/16.
1966| |Lund, R. J. |3. J. 12/10/15. Ptd. Cpl.
2408| |Lyons, R. |5. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
| | |
2414| |McCahon, H. A. |5. J. 19/1/16. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
1968| |McCallum, M. |3. J. 12/10/15. Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A.,
| | |France, 3-6/11/16.
2415| |McCarthy, B. J. |5. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
3207| |McCaskill, M. |7. J. 15/3/16. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. D. of
| | |Wds., Belgium, 2/1/18.
2251| |McDermott, V. F. |4. J. 19/1/16.
2193| |MacDonald, A. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
2185| |McEnroe, P. T. |4. J. 19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/5/16.
2417| |McGinnis, F. W. |5. J. 19/1/16. K. in A., France,
| | |3-6/11/16.
1751| |McGregor, J. |2. J. 19/1/16.
1752| |McHugh, J. |2. J. 10/1/16. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. D. of Wds.,
| | |Belgium, 4/10/17.
2418| |McInnes, I. |5. J. 19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1970| |McKeown, P. J. |3. J. 12/10/15. Wdd.
1971| |McKinnon, D. S. |3. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
1558| |MacLachlan, J. J. |1. J. 18/8/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1754| |McLaughlin, W. |2. J. 12/10/15. Wdd.
1969| |McLean, G. J. |3. J. 12/10/15. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
1504|Sgt. |McTaggart, G. S. |1. J. 18/8/15. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 16/8/16.
| | |Ptd. T/Captain. _D.C.M._ D. of Wds.,
| | |France, 9/8/18.
2181| |Maddern, W. T. |4. J. 19/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl. _M.M._
| | |Wdd. D. of Wds., Belgium, 28/10/17.
1747| |Madigan, W. |2. J. 12/10/15. D. of Wds., France,
| | |14/8/15.
2411| |Maitland, J. M. |5. J. 19/1/16. Ptd. Cpl.
1967| |Marshall, J. W. |3. J. 29/12/15. Wdd.
1748| |Masters, F. D. |2. J. 12/10/15. Wdd.
1749| |May, A. |2. J. 12/10/15. T. 59 51st Bn. 3/3/16.
| | |K. in A., France, 14-16/8/16.
1750| |Mayes, W. J. |2. J. 12/10/15. T. to 51st Bn. K. in A.,
| | |France, 15/8/16.
2412| |Meredith, A. F. |5. J. 19/1/16.
2334|Prov.Cpl.|Meredith, I. H. |5. J. 19/1/16. Ptd. T/-Sgt. Wdd. _D.C.M._
1755| |Merifield, W. T. |2. J. 12/10/15. Ptd. E.R. Sgt.
1756| |Messenger, J. T. |2. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |4-6/8/16.
1757| |Meyer, A. C. |2. J. 12/10/15. T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy.
| | |7/5/17. Wdd. D. of Ill., France, 5/12/18.
1758| |Meyer, W. L. |2. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
2182| |Middleton, D. |4. J. 19/1/16.
1505|Cpl. |Miller, J. B. |1. J. 18/8/15. Ptd. Cpl.
1975| |Miller, O. |3. J. 29/12/15.
1976| |Miller, T. |3. J. 29/12/15. T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy.
| | |15/11/17. Rejoined Bn. 29/4/18.
2183| |Milligan, F. D. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
3205| |Minett, S. J. |7. J.15/3/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1760| |Moller, H. A. |2. J.12/10/15. K. in A., France, 26/3/17.
2184| |Moore, G. S. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 5/9/18.
1974| |Moore, H. |3. J.12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |3-6/11/16.
3198| |Moran, B. J. |7. J.15/3/16. Ptd. Sgt. K. in A.,
| | |Belgium, 20/9/17.
2188| |Moran, R. J. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd. Ment. in Corps Orders.
2022| |Morgan, R. |3. J.20/12/15. T. to A.A. Postal Corps
| | |12/10/18. Wdd. _M.M. and Bar_.
2187| |Morgan, S. H. S. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 3. occ.
1972| |Morphett, H. H. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to H.T.M. Bty 22/4/16,
| | |and to 51st Bn. 21/7/17. Ptd. L/Cpl.
| | |K. in A., France, 25/4/18.
1561| |Morris, R. |1. J.18/8/15. Apptd. Dr.
1762| |Morrison, J. D. D.|2. J.29/12/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1557| |Morrow, A. |1. J.18/8/15. K. in A., Gallipoli,
| | |16/12/15.
1556| |Morrow, E. |1. J.18/8/15. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
2328|Prov.Sgt.|Mullen, F. S. H. |5. J.19/1/16. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 16/8/16.
| | |Ptd. Lieut. Wdd.
2189| |Mullins, J. |4. J.19/1/16. D. of Wds., Belgium,
| | |5/11/17.
2186| |Mullins, V. H. |4. J.19/1/16. D. of Wds., France,
| | |5/11/17.
1876|Prov.Sgt.|Munro, R. C. |3. J.12/10/15. Ptd. T/-Sgt. K. in A.,
| | |France, 26/2/17.
1764| |Murphy, B. F. |2. J.12/10/15. Ptd. Sgt. _D.C.M._
| | |Belgian _Croix de Guerre_. Detached
| | |for special duty with Dunsterville's
| | |Force through Mesopotamia and Persia to
| | |Baku. _Bar to D.C.M._
2252| |Murphy, E. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
2190| |Murphy, H. O. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
2258| |Murphy, P. J. D. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2413| |Murray, D. |5. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
2191| |Murray, F. |4. J.10/1/16. T. to I.C. Corps 1/2/16.
| | |Ptd. L/Cpl.
1765|A/-Cpl. |Murray, R. |2. J.12/10/15.
1562| |Murray, T. |1. J.18/8/15. Ptd. T/-Cpl. Wdd. 1915 and
| | |2nd occ.
| | |
2420| |Nalder, R. B. |5. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
2253| |Neville, S. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France,
| | |3-6/11/16.
1567| |Newman, W. C. F. |1. J.18/8/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1977| |Nicholls, J. F. H.|3. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
2194| |Nicholls, W. G. P.|4. J.19/1/16. T. to 16th Bn. 10/3/16.
2422| |Nichols, R. H. |5. J.19/1/16.
2195| |Nicol, H. R. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Sgt.
1978| |Nicol, W. C. |3. J.29/12/15. T. to I.C. Corps, 1/2/16.
| | |
2196| |Oakey, G. A. V. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2197| |O'Boyle, J. |4. J.19/1/16.
1569| |O'Brien, H. |1. J.18/8/15. D. of Wds., France,
| | |4-6/8/16.
1979| |O'Connor, D. E. |3. J.12/10/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2025| |O'Donnell, L. |3. J.29/12/15.
1980| |O'Donnell, R. |3. J.21/1/16.
2112|A/-Cpl. |O'Grady, G. C. |4. J.19/1/16. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 1/8/16.
| | |Ptd. Lieut. Wdd. 2 occ.
6343| |O'Grady, S. de C. |T. from 16th A.A.S.C. 4/3/16. Ptd. Sgt.
| | |Wdd. 3 occ.
2018| |O'Loughlin, L. |3. J.29/12/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2423| |Olsen, E. H. |5. J.19/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A.,
| | |France, 29/7/16.
1981| |O'Neill, J. C. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to 2nd M.G. Bn.
| | |26/5/18. Wdd. 2 occ.
1982| |Osborne, T. S. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
| | |
1616| |Parker, F. |1. J.18/8/15. Apptd. Dr.
2424| |Parker, P. H. |5. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
1608| |Parkinson, T. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to 7th M.G. Coy. 3/3/16.
2198| |Parkyn, A. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1571| |Parnell, C. |1. J.18/8/15. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
1768| |Parsons, C. W. G. |2. J.12/10/15. Ptd. Cpl. K. in A.,
| | |France, 3-6/11/16.
2426| |Pascoe, F. J. |5. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. D. of Wds.,
| | |Belgium, 23/9/17.
2199| |Passmore, A. C. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1659|A/Sgt. |Paterson, A. M. |2. J.12/10/15. T. to I.C. Corps, 1/2/16.
| | |Ptd. Sgt.
2427| |Payne, A. E. |5. J.19/1/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
1983| |Peach, G. H. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
1802| |Phillips, E. C. |2. J.29/12/15. Wdd.
2202| |Phillips, H. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
2429| |Phillips, T. L. |5. J.19/1/16 K. in A., France, 3-6/11/16.
2027| |Philpott, A. |3. J.29/12/15. Wdd.
1627| |Pickard, H. |1. J.18/8/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2203| |Plumb, F. A. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
1574| |Pollard, J. H. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn.,
| | |12/3/16. Wdd. 2 occ.
1984| |Pratt, F. B. |3. J.29/12/15. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
1573| |Prentice, T. |1. J.18/8/15.
2200| |Price, C. W. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1985| |Price, S. F. |3. J.12/10/15. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 3 occ.
| | |_D.C.M. M.M._
2434| |Priest, G. |5. J.19/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
1986| |Probert, C. G. |3. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
| | |
2204| |Quarrell, C. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl. D. of Wds.,
| | |France, 17/11/16.
| | |
1988| |Raby, H. C. |3. J.12/10/15. D. of Wds., France,
| | |30/7/16.
1578| |Rainsden, A. |1. J.18/8/15. Drowned at sea, 6/10/15.
1580| |Raitt, E. W. |1. J.18/8/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2207| |Ramsay, W. J. C. |4. J.19/1/16.
1620| |Randell, N. |1. J.18/8/15.
1771| |Rankin, G. |2. J.29/12/15. T. to 2nd Div. Salvage
| | |Coy., 24/1/17. Ptd. E.R. Cpl.
1772| |Rankine, S. C. |2. J.12/10/15. T. to I.C. Corps and later
| | |to 14th Light Horse 1/7/18. Ptd. T/Cpl.
2208| |Rawnsley, E. R. |4. J.19/1/16. T. to 4th Pnr. Bn.
| | |30/12/16. Wdd.
2435| |Reidy, J. T. |5. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
2205| |Rickard, L. G. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
2254| |Rillstone, L. J. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Cpl.
2327|Prov.Sgt.|Riva, C. S. |5. J.19/1/16. Wdd. T. to 3rd Echelon,
| | |G.H.Q., 22/12/16. Ptd. E.R. Staff Sgt.
1989| |Roberts, H. W. |3. J.12/10/15.
1575| |Roe, J. A. |1. J.18/8/15. Wdd. 1915. T. to Aust.
| | |Provo. Corps 10/6/17. Ptd. E.R. Sgt.
| | |Ment. in Despatches.
1991| |Rolls, A. L. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd. 2 occ. K. in A.,
| | |France, 10/6/18.
1773| |Rosser, O. |2. J.12/10/15.
1503|Sgt. |Rourke, J. J. |1. J.18/8/15. Ptd. C.S.M.
2211| |Rowe, C. C. |4. J.19/1/16. Invalided 11/4/16. Rejoined
| | |4/1/18. Wdd. 2 occ.
1613| |Rowe, T. F. |1. J.18/8/15. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
1993| |Roxburgh, S. D. |3. J.12/10/15. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
1576| |Roy, J. H. |1. J.12/10/15. Ptd. L/Cpl. D. of Wds.,
| | |Egypt, 28/11/15.
1774| |Rudler, J. H. |2. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
2206| |Rushton, L. |4. J.29/12/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
| | |
1995| |Sainsbury, N. G. |3. J.29/12/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1583| |Sandells, S. W. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to 7th M.G. Coy.
| | |15/9/16. Wdd.
1586| |Sanders, C. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to 7th M.G. Coy, 3/3/16.
| | |Wdd.
1994| |Sands, F. S. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
1775| |Saunders, J. |2. J.12/10/15. Wdd. 1915. D. of Ill.,
| | |Egypt, 18/2/16.
1588| |Savill, A. W. |1. J.18/8/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
2214| |Sawyer, N. B. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd. _M.M._
2256| |Scott, F. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl.
1884|Prov.Cpl.|Scott, F. A. |3. J.19/1/16. Ptd. E.R. Cpl.
1629| |Scott, J. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to I.C. Corps, 30/1/16.
| | |D. of Wds., Palestine, 21/4/17.
2216| |Selkirk, D. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
2215| |Seymour, G. H. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
2220| |Sharp, E. |4. J.19/1/16.
2446| |Shaw, R. H. |5. J.19/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
2001| |Sheldrake, W. G. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to Aust. Provo. Corps,
| | |3/4/16.
1879|Prov.Sgt.|Shellabear, S. A. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to 2nd Div. Hqrs.
| | |24/1/16. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 1/4/19.
| | |_M.S.M._
2221| |Shepherd, G. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
1635| |Silvester, R. |1. J.18/8/15. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. Ment. in
| | |Despatches.
1776| |Simmers, F. |2. J.12/10/15. Ptd. Sgt. D. of Wds.,
| | |France, 27/3/17.
1780| |Sinclair, L. R. R.|2. J.29/12/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1781| |Sinclair, W. H. |2. J.19/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd.
1782| |Skinner, P. J. |2. J.12/10/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1582| |Smart, E. S. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to 7th M.G. Coy.
| | |3/3/16. Wdd.
1998| |Smith, C. H. C. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to Aust. Flying Corps
| | |3/8/17. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 17/5/18.
| | |Wdd. 2 occ.
1587| |Smith, E. E. |1. J.18/8/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2222| |Smith, F. |4. J.19/1/16. T. to H.T.M. Bty. 11/6/16.
2218| |Smith, G. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd. K. in A., Belgium,
| | |20/9/17.
2023| |Smith, H. A. |3. J.29/12/15. D. of Wds., France,
| | |30/6/16.
1997| |Smith, H. D. |3. J.29/12/15.
2223| |Smith, J. |4. J.19/1/16.
2224| |Smith, S. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
1783| |Spencer, A. |2. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 3 occ.
2226| |Spencer, E. |4. J.19/1/16.
2225| |Spencer, H. J. |4. J.19/1/16. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 27/9/17.
| | |Ptd. Lieut. Wdd. 2 occ.
1619| |Spencer, T. W. |1. J.18/8/15. T. to 7th M.G. Coy.
| | |14/3/16.
2104|A/-Sgt. |Stansfield, A. |4. J.19/1/16. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn. 13/3/16.
| | |Ptd. Sgt. Wdd. 3 occ.
1996| |Steele, P. |3. J.12/10/15. T. to Aust. Flying Corps
| | |18/7/17. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
2227| |Stent, A. G. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
1660|A/-Cpl. |Stewart, C. |2. J.12/10/15. Ptd. L/Cpl. K. in A.,
| | |France, 29/7/16.
1618| |Stewart-Payne, |1. J.18/8/15.
| | E. C. S. F. |
2228| |Strike, W. E. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. L/Cpl.
2219| |Stuart, J. A. C. |4. J.19/1/16. T. to Aust. Provo. Corps,
| | |5/8/17. Ptd. E.R. 2nd Cpl. Wdd.
1999| |Stuart, V. O. |3. J.12/10/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2103| |Stutchbury, H. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. T/-Sgt. Wdd. 2 occ.
2456| |Summers, H. P. |5. J.19/1/16. Ptd. T/R.Q.M.S. Ment. in
| | |Despatches.
1623| |Sumner, R. |1. J.18/8/15.
1585| |Swindell, N. |1. J.18/8/15. Wdd.
| | |
2230| |Tapper, N. |4. J.19/1/16. Ptd. Sgt.
1785| |Tate, E. A. B. |2. J.12/10/15. T. to 10th Light Horse
| | |29/1/16. Wdd. 1915.
1593| |Taylor, D. P. E. |1. J.18/8/15. Wdd. 1915. T. to H.T.M.
| | |Bty. 11/6/16. Ptd. Bombardier.
2232| |Taylor, J. |4. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
1560| |Taylor, P. W. |1. J.18/8/15. K. in A., Belgium, 20/9/17.
2257| |Templeman, J. W. |4. J.19/1/16.
2003| |Terry, D. K. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
2002| |Terry, M. R. |3. J.12/10/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1786| |Thomas, C. |2. J.29/12/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2005| |Thompson, W. F. |3. J.19/1/16. Wdd.
2236| |Thorn, L. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2235| |Thorns, A. J. V. |4. J.19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1788| |Thorp, H. H. |2. J.12/10/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
2004| |Tickle, F. R. |3. J.12/10/15. Wdd.
1789| |Tilbury, G. V. |2. J.12/10/15. D. of Wds., France,
| | |30/7/16.
1804| |Tindall, W. H. A. |2. J. 29/12/15. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
2006| |Tolland, F. |3. J. 12/10/15. T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy.,
| | |14/8/16.
1790| |Touzel, C. N. |2. J. 12/10/15. T. to 16th Bn., 12/11/15.
| | |K. in A., France, 11/4/17.
1791|A/Cpl. |Townsend, W. G. |2. J. 12/10/15. Invalided 2/1/16.
| | |Rejoined 4/12/16. Ptd. T/Sgt. Wdd.
1886|Prov.Cpl.|Tozer, H. J. H. |3. J. 12/10/15. Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 7/4/17.
| | |Ptd. Lieut. Wdd. _M.C. M.M._
1792| |Tucker, W. H. |2. J. 12/10/15. Apptd. T/Dr.
2234| |Turner, C. |4. J. 19/1/16. T. to 7th M.G. Coy.
| | |13/11/16. Wdd.
2229| |Turner, H. D. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
1592| |Turner, J. |1. J. 18/8/15. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. 1915 and
| | |3 occ. later.
2459| |Turner, J. |5. J. 19/1/16. D. of Wds., France,
| | |22/8/16.
| | |
2238| |Vallentine, |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
| | V. G. J. |
2239| |Van Den Bosch, W. |4. J. 19/1/16. T. to 48th Bn., 26/4/16.
| | |Wdd. 2 occ.
2237| |Van-Ooran, C. |4. J. 19/1/16. Ptd. Sgt.
2240| |Vaughan, D. J. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
2241| |Vessey, E. R. |4. J. 19/1/16. Wdd.
2242| |Vickers, W. |4. J. 19/1/16. T. to 32nd Bn. 6/4/16.
| | |Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. K. in A., France, 16/3/18.
2019| |Vickrage, T. |3. J. 18/8/15. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
| | |
2326|Prov.Sgt.|Walker, G. A. |5. J. 19/1/16. Ptd. C.S.M. Wdd. K. in A.,
| | |France, 1/6/18.
1803| |Wallis, F. C. |2. J. 18/8/15. T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy.
| | |14/3/16. Wdd.
2243| |Wallis, S. |4. J. 29/12/15.
1602| |Wardlaw, A. C. |1. J. 18/8/15. T. to Aust. Provo. Corps
| | |5/8/17. Ptd. E.R. 2nd Cpl. Wdd.
2007| |Warner, S. E. |3. J. 12/10/15. T. to 7th M.G. Coy.
| | |3/3/16. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
2333|Prov.Cpl.|Warrington, A. V. |5. J. 19/1/16. T. to 51st Bn. 3/3/16.
| | |Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 19/12/17. Ptd. Lieut.
| | |Wdd. 3 occ.
1599| |Watson, J. |1. J. 18/8/15. T. to 2nd Pnr. Bn.
| | |12/3/16. Apptd. Dr.
2008| |Watson, T. D. |3. J. 12/10/15. Wdd. 1915 and 2nd occ. D.
| | |of Ill., England, 30/10/17.
2247| |Webb, S. A. |4. J. 19/1/16. Ptd. Sgt. Wdd.
1631| |Webb, W. J. |1. J. 18/8/15. T. to 2nd Div. Sig. Coy.
| | |14/3/16.
2029| |Webster, W. D. |3. J. 29/12/15. Apptd. T/Dr.
2330| |Wedd, C. G. |5. J. 19/1/16. T. to 51st Bn. 3/3/16.
| | |Ptd. Sgt. K. in A., France, 3/9/16.
1794| |Weeks, E. S. |2. J. 2/10/15. Wdd.
2010| |Weir, J. |3. J. 12/10/15. Wdd. 1915.
2009| |West, C. H. G. |3. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |29/7/16.
1795| |White, C. |2. J. 12/10/15. Ptd. L/Cpl. Wdd. D. of
| | |Wds., Belgium, 2/11/17.
1597| |White, G. M. |1. J. 18/8/15. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd. 2 occ.
2011| |Whittaker, F. F. |3. J. 29/12/15.
2246| |Wicks, F. C. |4. J. 19/1/16. K. in A., France, 29/7/16.
1604|Cpl. |Williams, A. B. |1. J. 18/8/15. T. to I.C. Corps 30/1/16.
2244| |Williams, C. A. |4. J. 19/1/16. T. to Aust. Wireless
| | |Signal Squadron 4/1/18. Wdd.
1596| |Williams, C. H. |1. J. 18/8/15.
1797| |Williams, E. A. |2. J. 12/10/15.
2012| |Williams, J. M. H.|3. J. 29/12/15. Ptd. L/Sgt.
1799| |Williams, S. |2. J. 12/10/15. K. in A., France,
| | |4-6/8/16.
1601| |Williams, S. H. |1. J. 18/8/15. Wdd.
1614| |Wilson, C. H. |1. J. 18/8/15.
1615| |Wilson, T. H. R. |1. J. 18/8/15. Ptd. Cpl.
2013| |Withnell, J. E. |3. J. 29/12/15.
1605| |Wood, J. J. |1. J. 18/8/15. Wdd. 2 occ.
1800| |Woodcock, L. N. |2. J. 12/10/15.
1628| |Woods, J. M. |1. J. 18/8/15. Ptd. Cpl. Wdd.
2014| |Wragg, D. D. |3. J. 12/10/15. T. to 11th Bn. 24/1/16.
| | |Wdd.
1801| |Wright, I. R. |2. J. 12/10/15. T. to 17th Fld. Amb.
| | |16/6/17. Rejoined Bn. 28/10/17. Ptd. Cpl.
| | |Wdd. K. in A., France, 9/4/18.
2015| |Wrighton, A. F. |3. J. 12/10/15; D. of Wds., France,
| | |6/8/16.
| | |
2248| |Young, T. L. |4. J. 19/1/16. D. of Wds., France,
| | |2/1/17.
----+---------+------------------+-----------------------------------------
SUMMARY.
-------+--------+---------+-------------------+--------------+---------------
Number | | | | |Number absorbed
of | | Port | | |by parent unit
Rein- | | of | | Strength on | prior to
force- | Date |Embarka- | Name of | Embarkation | 21/3/1916
ments |Embarked| tion | Transport |--------+-----+--------+------
| | | | |Other| |Other
| | | |Officers|Ranks|Officers|Ranks
-------+--------+---------+-------------------+--------+-----+--------+------
First | 5/6/15|Fremantle|A2. "Geelong" | 1 | 100 | 1 | 97
Second | 23/7/15| do. |A64. "Demosthenes" | 2 | 150 | 1 | 111
Third | 2/9/15| do. |A68. "Anchises" | 2 | 150 | 2 | 142
Fourth | 1/10/15| do. |A20. "Hororata" | 2 | 151 | - | 135
Fifth |13/10/15| do. |A32. "Themistocles"| 2 | 150 | - | 87
Sixth | 2/11/15| do. |A38. "Ulysses" | 3 | 309 | - | -
Seventh| 18/1/16| do. |A7. "Medic" | 3 | 301 | 3 | 15
-------+--------+---------+-------------------+--------+-----+--------+-----
Total of Reinforcements Nos. 1 to 7 = 15 Officers 1,311 other Ranks.
Total of Reinforcements absorbed prior
to 21/3/16 = 7 " 587 "
Add transfers from other Units 1 " 1 "
-- ---
Total additions to strength 8 " 588 "
Appendix J.
Honours conferred on Original Members of the 28th Battalion.
THE MOST DISTINGUISHED ORDER OF ST. MICHAEL AND
ST. GEORGE.
_Companion_ (_C.M.G._):
Colonel H. B. Collett.
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER.
_Companions_ (_D.S.O._):
Brown, Major A.
Collett, Colonel H. B.
Denson, Major H. R.
Read, Lieut.-Colonel G. A.
Shorrock, Lieut. J.
THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE.
_Officers_ (_O.B.E._):
Davies, Lieut.-Colonel C. R.
Gunn, Hon. Captain J. R.
THE MILITARY CROSS (M.C.)
Allen, Captain L. G.
Brown, Major A.
Brown, Captain R.
Casey, Lieut. R.
Coburn, Lieut. A. P.
Foss, Captain C. M.
Graham, Lieut. N.
Hammond, Captain M. G.
King, Captain H. C.
Lamb, Major C. H.
Leaver, Lieut. W. A.
McIntyre, Captain J.
McIntyre, Captain K. M. G.
Nicholls, Captain T. O.
Phillips, Major R. C.
Shaw, Captain G. D.
Smiley, Lieut. H. F.
Sundercombe, Captain N. W.
BAR TO THE MILITARY CROSS.
Hammond, Captain M. G.
Phillips, Major R. C.
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (D.F.C.)
Phillips, Major R. C.
DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL (D.C.M.)
Ahnall, 2nd Lieut. K.
Ballingall, Bty. Sgt.-Major C. T.
Clark, Coy. Sergt.-Major A. W.
Cooper, Private H. W.
Farmer, Lance-Corpl. H.
Farris, Private R. P.
Hall, Lance-Corpl. J.
Molloy, Corporal H.
Wilson, Sergeant T.
THE MILITARY MEDAL (M.M.)
Acres, Lance-Corpl. J. J.
Anderson, Sergt. W.
Bourne, Bty. Sergt.-Major R. F.
Broadbent, Private H. F.
Brown, Lance-Sergt. G. J. R.
Brown, Private W. T.
Cottingham, Private D.
Cross, Sergt. M.
Dunne, Corpl. M.
Fitzpatrick, Sergt. M. M.
Franco, Private H. A.
Hammond, Captain M. G.
Hendrick, Sergt. T. J.
Hill, Lieut. A. N.
Hopkins, Lieut. J.
Jerry, 2nd Lieut. A.
Jones, Driver G. B.
Keeley, Sergt. W. J.
Leaver, Lieut. W. A.
Lenegan, Private J. W.
McAuliffe, Corpl. D.
Piggott, Lieut. W. C.
Powell, 2nd Lieut. G. E.
Scott, Private J.
Seymour, Lance-Sergt. H. L.
Stewart, Lance-Sergt. A.
Thomas, Private W. N.
Trenorden, Corpl. L. C.
Walker, Private R.
Watson, Sergt. J. E.
Wilson, Sergt. W. L.
Winters, Corpl. B.
Wright, Private L.
BAR TO THE MILITARY MEDAL.
McAuliffe, Corpl. D.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL (M.S.M.)
Brown, Lance-Sergt. J. W.
Goffin, Sergt. J.
Simmonds, Driver H.
BELGIAN CROIX de GUERRE.
Major E. G. Glyde.
Private A. J. Sweeting.
FRENCH CROIX de GUERRE.
Captain J. J. S. Scouler.
MONTENEGRIN ORDER OF DANILO, 5th Class.
Lieut.-Colonel G. A. Read.
SERBIAN SILVER MEDAL.
Private H. A. Franco.
=COMPILER'S NOTE.=
The Compiler will be grateful if readers will point out to him, _in
writing_, any errors in the narrative or inaccuracies and omissions in
the personal records of members.
The completion of this volume was delayed considerably through
difficulty in obtaining the required information. For the second volume
a good deal of material is already in hand, but success cannot be
ensured unless ex-members will co-operate with the 28th Battalion
Association Committee and the Compiler.
In the many actions in which the Battalion fought, no single person
could possibly observe all that happened. To give a complete picture it
is therefore necessary that the stories should be set down by as many
individuals as care to contribute. From their accounts a full and
accurate narrative can be constructed. Lengthy writings are not
required, nor need any contributor worry about style. It will be
sufficient to merely set down actual occurrences and give the names of
persons and places, also the dates and times. Anecdotes with reference
to any Member of the Battalion are valuable and serve to lighten the
story.
The following notes are made for the purpose of assisting the memories
of those who are willing to help:--
I. FRANCE, 1916.--Marseilles to Thiennes. Steenbecque,
Morbecque, Hazebrouck, Erquingham, Armentieres, Rue Marle,
Bois Grenier, Lille Post, l'Epinette, First Raid, Rue
Dormoire, Red Lodge, Messines, La Plus Douve Farm. Move to
Somme, Bertangles, Amiens, Warloy, The Brickfields, La
Boisselle, Pozieres, Ypres, Flers, Geudecourt, Waterlot Farm.
II. FRANCE, 1917.--Le Sars, Warlencourt, Malt Trench,
Lagnicourt, Bapaume, Bullecourt, Noreuil, Senlis, Renescure,
Passchendaele, Reninghelst, Swan Area, Broodseinde Ridge,
Dickebusch, Albert Redoubt, Fletre, Steenvoorde, Aldershot
Camp, Red Lodge, Neuve Eglise, Warneton Sector, Romarin Camp.
III. FRANCE, 1918.--Warneton Sector, Kortepyp Camp, Romarin,
Locre, Le Waast. Return to Somme, Ville-sur-Ancre,
Morlancourt, Monument Wood, Villers-Bretonneux, Herleville
Ridge, Mt. St. Quentin, Haut Allaines, Beaurevoir. The
Armistice. Move to and stay at Charleroi. Demobilising.
Quotas. Journey to England.
IV. Waiting for transports. Voyage to Australia.
V. Incidents in Billets. The French and Belgian peasantry.
VI. Schools of Instruction in France and England.
VII. Tours of duty in Training Camps in England.
VIII. Description and incidents of Hospital life.
IX. Occurrences and places visited whilst on leave.
X. Happenings to officers and men who, after enlisting in the
28th Battalion, were transferred to other units.
XI. Experiences of Prisoners of War.
The Compiler would welcome any spare photographs of persons, places, and
events, which are likely to be of general interest. It is particularly
desirable to secure portraits of all those Members who were decorated
for gallant service or were, for other reasons, well known in the Unit.
_ERRATA._
Page 175.--Opposite the name of Lamb, C. H., delete "Mentioned in
Despatches."
Page 196.--Opposite the name of Rickman, F. O., add "Mentioned in
Despatches."
Page 206.--Opposite the name of Fox, J. A., add "Mentioned in
Despatches."
Page 207.--Opposite the name of Green, G., delete "T. to Y.M.C.A., Ptd.
Hon. Lieut. 1/5/18," and insert "Apptd. 2nd Lieut. 6/1/19. Ptd. Lieut."
+------------------------------------------------+
| Transcriber's Note: |
| |
| Typographical errors corrected in text: |
| |
| Page ix commmencement changed to commencement |
| Page xiv Ausonia changed to Ansonia |
| Page 54 platooon changed to platoon |
| Page 115 befel changed to befell |
| Page 192 Ivalided changed to Invalided |
| Page 192 bombadier changed to bombardier |
| Page 202 1/71/6 changed to 1/7/16 |
| Page 219 DANILLO changed to DANILO |
| Errata mentioned on last page of book has been |
| corrected in the text. |
| |
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