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diff --git a/25341-8.txt b/25341-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bdf80a4 --- /dev/null +++ b/25341-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10035 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The 28th: A Record of War Service in the +Australian Imperial Force, 1915-19, Vol. I, by Herbert Brayley Collett + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The 28th: A Record of War Service in the Australian Imperial Force, 1915-19, Vol. I + Egypt, Gallipoli, Lemnos Island, Sinai Peninsula + + +Author: Herbert Brayley Collett + + + +Release Date: May 5, 2008 [eBook #25341] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE 28TH: A RECORD OF WAR SERVICE +IN THE AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE, 1915-19, VOL. I*** + + +E-text prepared by Elaine Walker, Barbara Kosker, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net) + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 25341-h.htm or 25341-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/5/3/4/25341/25341-h/25341-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/5/3/4/25341/25341-h.zip) + + + +--------------------------------------------------------+ + | Transcriber's Note: | + | | + | Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has | + | been preserved. | + | | + | Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. For | + | a complete list, please see the end of this document. | + | | + | Text enclosed by equal signs was in bold face in the | + | original (=bold=). | + +--------------------------------------------------------+ + + + + + +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. | + | | + +------------------------------------------------+ + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE 28TH: A RECORD OF WAR SERVICE IN +THE AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE, 1915-19, VOL. 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