Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Thomas Edward Goodwin war diary, 25 April 1915-22 July 1916
MLMSS 1598/1

[Page 1]
The Diary of Farrier Sgt Goodwin (Croix De Guerre Belgian)
2nd Bty. 1st. F.A.B. A.I.F
PART. 1. Original
79 Salisbury Rd
Stanmore
Sydney

[Page 2]
This part of my experiences is written from memory When we arrived at Alexandria, the troopship Indian was berthed at wharf, The authorities were busy loading her with ammunition, Food, Horse feed and etc, for a journey that was going to be four days It took them one week to complete the loading. In the mean time our horses, and the B.A.C. were stabled in a large shed used in peace times for stowing grain, Eventually we loaded our horses, I may say while doing so, the ramp almost gave way, it must have been about 50 feet long That delayed operations for a time, It had to be propped up. Out horses were loaded without mishap, also guns and wagons, We then put out into the stream, She had on board 2nd Bty 1st B A C and Head Quarter Staff, and a quantity of 18 lb and 303 ammunition. After a few hours delay we steamed out We had no knowledge of where we were going to, we had no escort, the British fleet was cruising about At last we sighted land, and stood off waiting for orders, presently a trawler signalled, “follow me". We followed, the land was Lemnos Island, and the entrance to the harbour was guarded by mines, an opening was left just big enough to allow one vessel to pass through. We were there two weeks. The population are Greeks, they grow a terrible lot of grain mostly wheat, no roller

[Page 3]
[Blank page]

[Page 4]
flour mills there, it is all done by wind mills and stones, I was ashore there for about half an hour with some of our horses. Now it is a base hospital site. As soon as we dropped anchor we were besieged with bum boats, loaded with oranges lemons nuts, figs chocolate eggs bread, Turkish delight, (a favourite sweet) During our stay at Lemnos the remainder of the troop ships arrived, also a number of warships both British and French. We carried 8 pontoons on our boat for disembarking horses, They were well made and fitted, weighed 10 tons each and carried 24 horses. When a horse was slung and lowered over into the pontoon, he was put up one end and a rail put up and being tied up, it was impossible to move. After a few days at Lemnos we recieved orders to be instructed, in disembarking horses and vehicles, one section only 24 horses, 2 guns and 2 wagons. We got through the job without a hitch. We were towed ashore by a tug to be correct, as near the shore as possible. The water was too shallow to allow the tug to go close inland, In fact one tug did get stuck on a mud bank, also a troop ship When the order come through “cast off" we had to use poles to punt ashore

[Page 5]
however we got ashore in good stile in fact we were the first artillery there We then harnessed and hooked in the horses, and then what a pull, up a bank with a gradual slope about 15 feet. A lot of staff officers of the 1st Division looked on with their mouths open. It was a glorious pull We were on shore ½ an hour. Very fertile country the most noticable thing about it is, no trees, none whatever, goodness knows how the people get on for fuel. Most of the country is under cultivation mostly grain and grape Vines, The only animals I saw there were donkeys and goats. The same as Egypt, poor miserable looking donkeys with heavy loads, struggling along, flogged and abused, Some with heavy men astride of them, You realy wonder how they carry them, little rats of things. After ½ an hour we loaded the pontoons again, the only difference this time was we lead the horses into the pontoon, In the mean time the Naval people, had placed a buoy in deep water, with a rope attached to it, and passed, and made fast on the island, so instead of punting our pontoon out to the tug in deep water, we simply pulled on the rope, acted as a ferry, We made fast to the tug and was towed to our boat about 1 ½ miles away, We then slung our horses, and got them aboard without mishap.

[Page 6]
25-4-1915

After this little job things were quiet, all hands were anxious to know when we were going to land, Eventualy sailing orders were recieved, away we sailed, We soon found out we were bound for the Dardanelles great excitement, After about a day and a nights travelling we were aroused, one morning by gun fire. The navy was bombarding the coast for mile, It was a beautiful sight never to be forgotten. The hill we are now fighting for “Achi Baba" was one mass of bursting shells. We steamed down the coast slowly and stood off. Every now and then a shell would come flying in amongst the transports, once or twice we drifted in too close, and over would come the shells, one or two were dangerously close, so close in fact that the water splashed over our stern. The old captain a man that had seen active service was very careful as soon as a shell would come our way “Full steam ahead". I saw one land on the deck of a collier, I said to myself that one is settled But no, when the smoke and coal dust cleared away work was going on the same These shells were any size from 6 in to 10 in. As we stood off we saw the 1st Division Australian infantry land, heaven it was

[Page 7]
Awful, How men managed to gain a footing there is a mistery, We saw barge loads of wounded returning to the transports, the Hospital ships were unable to hold them, The time shrapnel was coming over in hundreds, 13 or 15 pounders, One punt load of wounded came close to our boat and the chaps on our boat shouted “Are we down hearted" and the answer from the wounded was “NO". In the mean time the Navy blazing away like fury. The old Majestic, Triumph, Eurallia that used to be the flag ship of the Australian station, also the Ocean, The Queen Elizebeth with her 15 inch guns, beautiful weapons too I can assure you, and a lot more Battle ships that I don’t remember the names of, An incident that is impressed on my memory was a man with a helio signalling he was on a hill signalling to some one on the beach, he was there for a number of hours signalling away, time shrapnel bursting all around him. Presently the Helio stopped flickering, No need to say what happened. Some of the 9th Battery a section to be correct landed with guns and horses. And I am told by men who were there on the beach that the cry was, why don’t they send us artillery

[Page 8]
little did they know that we were trying to land. After a time, and an anxious time I can assure you, they landed. The guns were rushed by the infantry and dragged into position, one gun of 1st Battery also landed but was sent back. One of our officers was Lieut Clowes of Duntroon Colledge was ashore observing for the Navy, He got wounded there, also one of our gunners (Brown he lost an arm. I remember seeing one team of 9th Battery galloping across an open piece of country with a wagon load of ammunition to the gun in action, swing around unhook, and gallop away. All done under terrific shrapnel fire, and a terrible noise from the Battle ships firing over their heads We then received orders to put out to sea. We cruised about for a week, visited the Gulf of Siros, steamed around Embros, Tenedos, Mudros islands, Sending out landing parties and drawing fire, Three or four times these landing parties were sent out, Only once did we draw fire it was pretty warm, Our escort was two torpedo boats, We opened fire on a wireless station and blew it to pieces, we also smashed up a village The hills on these islands were mostly covered with snow. After a week of cruising about we went back to Gaba Tepe, afterwards named

[Page 9]
Anzac, Compiled from the names Australia, New Zealand, Army, Corps. Taking the first letter from each word. We arrived there without accident We stopped there only a few hours and then went to Cape Helles and landed. I forgot to mention that a section of our Battery attempted to land at Gaba Tepe. I never heard or saw so many bullets in my life, As one of the lads remarked if another bullet was fired it would jam and form a sheet of lead. The Conol Colonel and Head Quarter Staff, Doctor, Adjutant, and Vet officer were aboard The war ships were firing when we attempted to land, They were covering our landing. We stopped about 200 yds from the shore while the C.O. and staff went ashore. The naval landing officer said land 200 yds further down, as we were about to do so one of our staff officers Major Anderson shouted out What are you doing here go back. The Doctor (Capt Howes) almost got wounded, he was wearing his haversack a bullet went through it and a tin of bully beef, a very narrow escape. When we got to Gallipoli Peninsula, we got the order that 47 horses and all the vehicles were to land. I was told that a shoeing smith and myself would go with the horses

[Page 10]
3-5-1915

a few minutes later I was told not to go, and again I was told to go, never saw such messing about in all my life, While the orders were coming to me I was busy slinging horses and had no gear packed up. So you see I had to hurry up, I was the last to scramble over the side of vessel. We had 67 horses on the pontoon towed ashore by a paddle boat. A middy, I should say about 18 years old was in charge of the tow. When we got close to the shore, the paddle boat cast off and a steam pinnace, picked us up, with this middy that I just mentioned in charge. We were making for V beach Seddul Bahr fort, which is now the French base, All troops and supplies are landed there. The Steamer, River Clyde was run aground there with troops aboard After a lot of doging about we run along side. What news we heard 7 Frenchman and 15 horses killed half an hour before we landed. Just as we made fast a shot from Asia come screaching over, no damage done, a close call about 20 yards short. Another shot over, about 30 yards over, still a failure. We were unloading our horses, The 3rd Battery came alongside also, it was a terrible place to unload horses. On to a landing

[Page 11]
The night of May the third
and then along a planking 2 ft x 6 in wide with a drop of about 7 feet into the water Rather a rough job to unload horses off these pontoons, We had to walk them up a plank out of the pontoon, The only accident we had was a horse went up the plank got to the top, and then turned a back summer sault, a wonderful thing that he did not break his neck. By the time we got unloaded it was dark. Lieut Olding was in charge He recieved instructions where to go from the Naval landing officer, I heard the instructions given, He said go up this hill on your left and take the road on the left; and recieve further orders there, a staff officer will meet you there. All right, he started off, got half way up the hill and then turned to his right, went along for about half a mile, and suddenly discovered he was lost, I found out afterwards what blocked him He run foul of barb wire entanglements Eventualy we got on the road again, and was shown our camping place. We then sent the horses to W beach to bring up our guns and wagons, We got the vehicles up and was putting the horse lines out when a staff officer come riding up and said to Lieut Olding, you will have to

[Page 12]
get away from here you are in an open position, exposed to shrapnel fire, you will be shelled at day break, of course we had to move. We moved down into a hollow next to the 15 Indian mule transport corps, it was now 2 oclock next morning, we turned in. Two or three hours sleep “reveillie", turned out watered and fed horses, had breakfast iron rations that we brought with us. All hands with exception of the shoeing smith, one driver and myself, ordered to dig gun pits. The pits were ready by night time, We then started to take up the guns and what a time we did have. For a start one man f collapsed, got moving, got the guns to the pits alright, come back for the wagons, one driver fell off his horse sick, shoeing smith took his place went along a little further another man sick, Saddler Sgt took his place, a few more yards, still another man, done up, the fitter Sgt. took his place In the mean time the Captain was looking for a wagon line, I was following him up never saw such a fool. Took him about 3 hours to find a suitable place, he then sent me to look for the teams, I was running about for hours, I had no

[Page 13]
horse. Eventually I found them ½ mile away, Then the trouble began, the wagons were loaded up with horse feed, three days rations, And to get to the wagon line, we had to cross a swamp, and considering that the horses were a month on board ship, we had a beautiful job, one team in particular would not pull the hat off of your head, however, after a lot of persuading we got to the lines. We fixed the horses up, and everything was in good order, I was just about to lay down when I got orders from the Captain that myself and three men were to go on outpost duty, The three men were S.S. Hyland, Gr Mackenson who was afterwards killed and Gr Grimsley, he was afterwards wounded in the leg. It was now 12 o’clock. We were to be relieved by 8 o’clock in the morning, As a matter of fact we were never relieved, In the morning the Captain had a look around and considered our present position no good for a wagon line, so we got orders to pack up and be ready to move at once. He went scouting about and found what he considered an ideal place for a wagon line. A greater

[Page 14]
mistake he never made in all his life, as it was afterwards proved, it was a living hell. The 1st and 3rd Batteries were practially in the same position, on our right. Things went smoothly for a few days, that is as regards shells, Every night rifle bullets come over in hundreds, and strange to relate, no man in wagon lines was ever hit and only one horse. The 3rd Bty was the first to get peppered, rifle bullets played hovac with their horses, Then the 1st Bty suffered from shell fire. The 3rd Bty was the first to shift, followed by the 1st. We the 2nd Bty were there three weeks. In the mean time the shells started to come over, about 20 yards on our left, till one day they got in amongst us, knocking one spoke out of a wheel and wounding one horse. After a while it quietened down. I might just mention the fact that this horse I have just recorded was the first horse I ever saw with a shrapnel bullet wound While I was dressing it some more shots rattled through the lines, all around me, no damage done. The Captain was burrowed up in his dugout, he called me over and said, Farrier, if any more shrapnel come over tell the drivers, to rush to their horses

[Page 15]
and take them off of the lines. I disobeyed and ignored that order, My orders were drivers, if any more shells come over burrow up, And sure enough more shells did come over. It got that hot that the order came through, to retreat The horses were harnessed up and hooked in under shrapnel fire, and went back about a mile, to where the 3rd Bty had their wagon lines, This took place in the afternoon, We were in our new wagon lines one night, the French told us we would have to move, as a 75 Battery was coming into that position. The following morning we moved, and sure enough the French Bty was there. On the way to this new wagon line I had a lively time, the horse that was wounded I was leading, I had the wound bandaged up, I had to cut the bullet out, and it was bleeding a great deal. I got about 50 yards away when the bandage slipped down. I stopped to put it on again, when a shell burst just behind me. I fixed it up and made off in a diffrent direction, I was still in amongst them, I again changed direction and another shell burst behind me. A French man that was close to me, got

[Page 16]
shot dead. How I escaped I don’t know, the bullets seemed to go both sides of me. I got the horse in all right and at time of writing she is working, Although she got three more wounds since our new next new wagon line was about 100 yds behind our old one. Why the Captain took us back there I know not. He pointed out a position to me for the horses, the vehicles were in the old line on the bank of a drain, mud up to your boot tops, Got the horse lines up and was there about 3 hours when I reported that the ground was too muddy and therefore not suitable for horses, well, he said go and see if you can find a better place. We found a place on higher ground. A little description of this part of the world is worthy of note. Where our wagon line is at present the soil is of a white colour, we are in a basin, on the hill side the soil is red. The water supply is plentiful here, all wells. From 10 to 15 feet deep you can get water We landed here Gallipoli Peninsula on 4th of May 1915. The weather here is very fine and plesant, beautiful country all under cultivation, Fruit trees, grapevines Rye, Wheat, Barley and such like

[Page 17]
The flies are awful millions of them. Of course everything is destroyed. The finest place I ever saw, just like a garden The undermentioned horses were wounded in wagon line Gallipoli Peninsula Cape Helles
7/5/1915 No 3814 Brown mare, near forearm shrapnel bullet this was the mare previously mentioned 10/5/1915 2966 Blk mare Shrapnel bullet wound, rear part of near thigh
14/5/1915 Brown Geld wound Forehead, Shrapnel Brown Geld died from the effects of pneumonia. This horse contracted this disease on board the Indian. 18/5/1915. Brown, Geld, Laminitis, also shot in near front fetlock and back tendon. 3814 wound near part of rump on 19/5/1915. This is the mare that was wounded four times. She started to work on 5/6/1915
19/5/1915. 2236. Brown Geld. 3240. Bay Geld. These horses were the first to be killed by a 5in shell, It went through the neck and chest of one, and the hips of another. The first one mentioned was killed outright. The other had to be destroyed A third horse was knocked insensible for about 3 minutes. When this accident happened, I was going over towards the horses, and heard a shell coming. I stood still. I was about 4 yards from the horses. The concussion knocked me off my feet. About 5 minutes before a company of

[Page 18]
Senegals moved up to the trenches
20/5/1915. This was a rough day our wagon line suffered. 2901. Black Geld had to be destroyed shot through ribs, case hopeless 12502. Black Geld the Majors charger this was a shocking case, When I descovered it the horse had his nose bag on feeding I saw the blood running out through the ventilation holes of the bag. I at first thought him hopeless. When we dressed it we found 2 teeth out and the jaw bone shattered, He must have been hit by a piece of shrapnel, A hole about 2in square was in his jaw. He is now working his nose is twisted all on one side facial parallises of the nerves. 3712. This horse was killed 570. Brown Geld. Shot in throat and girth in a bad state no hope. 3181. Shot in back 2216. mentioned on 18/5/1915. 3814. Mentioned on 18/5/1915.
21/5/1915. This is the day noted in the 2nd Battery. One man killed and 3 wounded in wagon line. More about this “anon"
2858. Brown Geld. Bullet wound Shrapnel 2479. Brown Geld. Near cannon bone the bullet entered between the cannon bone and splints bones. This horse was bad

[Page 19]
a number of weeks. 2304. Black Mare wound in neck. Bullet shrapnel, not serious. 2327. Brown Geld. Shrapnel bullet in near ribs. 2966. Black Mare This is a most peculiar disease, the legs swell up to an enormous size, the muzzle also swell up like a hippopotamus we sent her away to Vet Hospital
858. Brown Geld wound off ribs the bullet entered the lungs, died the following day.
We shifted to a new position where we have been ever since. The Royal Naval Division are just at the back of our lines they consist of the Howes, Hawks, Nelson, Collingwood, Ben Bow and Drake Battalions also Anson
8/6/1915. Most of them were either killed or wounded in the attack on Achi Baba. 10/6/1915
A French wagon line suffered severely from shells 8 horses killed and 11 wounded. These horses were on the extreme end of our lines. Our horses were in no way injured. On the 9th, the 3rd Battery had six horses injured by shrapnel, and one man wounded, A number of armour piercing shells were fired by the Turks. On the 8 inst the worst sight I have seen to date

[Page 20]
5 men blown to pieces, Men of the Manchester regiment, a regiment that suffered heavily in an attack on Achi Baba. Men were picking up the pieces all the morning, with a bag and shovel This happened about 200 yds opposite our lines, These shells were 6in high explosive making a most terrific noise, we surmise they come from Chanak
11/6/1915. 6.30 A.M.
Shrapnel still coming over from the Turkish side, 15lbs. The Naval Division going over to Embros island. There are a number of islands about here. Tenedos, Lemnos, Imbros, A 6in Howitzer gun belonging to the British was knocked out of action yesterday, both wheels, buffer and platform carried away
12/6/1915
The navy opened with a bombardment today. Could not see the effects, After six or seven days of wind or I might say gales, the wind has dropped Expect another bombardment shortly that will make the third. The first one 120 guns not including the Navy took part, The second one was more terrific, all you could see was a cloud of dust. All classes of Artillery are

[Page 21]
here French 75 Centemetre, R.H.A, R.F.A, R.G.A. and siege 120 lbs. Our battery the 2nd was the first Australian Bty in action
13/6/1915
The usual performance again this morning a number of shells, hurled over by the Turks, Preparations for reinforcements, in the front of our position. Again the R.N.D. suffered severely. Four or five men blown to pieces. Our lines are still lucky. The guns that are doing the damage are on the Asiatic side and fort Chanak, nicked named Wandering Willie and Asiatic Ann, Just heard that the 1st Battery wagon line got a stir up 8 horses hit, and 3 killed This evening about 7 oclock a shell burst in our wagon line and wounded 2 R.N.D. and also wounded 2 of our horses one in the throat, the other in the rear part of off fore arm. Not in any way serious The reinforcements have arrived Scottish regiments H.L.I. K.O.S.B.
14 & 15/6/1915
Still under shell fire percussion and time 8.15A.M. I could sit in my dug out, and about 200 yds in front, see the unfortunate men getting killed and wounded I recieved letters from Vance, My Corporal and shoeing smith, all doing well

[Page 22]
The R.N.D. were to go away last night Turks opened fire on them. Found out later that the French head quarters had an eletric light (Arc lamps) burning, Their foolishness cost them 60 men.
16/6/1915
Rather a quiet morning so far our casualties to date are 23. 3 killed the remainder wounded. The French 75 mm Bty is firing very rapidly. The 3rd Battery wagon line had a couple of shells amongst them killed one horse, broke three of its legs and wounded another, No men injured, The 1st battery wagon line is one mass of holes made by 8in shells. As the day advanced things got very warm. They shelled all around and over us, mostly with high explosives, An ambulance driver, got wounded, and fell off his horse, a shell burst alongside of him, Just before that the 1st B.A.C. were drawing ammunition they were seen by the enemy who opened fire on them, They had real good luck, one wagon only was left on the road. The horses were wounded, It was afterwards rescued, The 3rd Battery had one horse wounded
17/6/1915
The quietest morning so far, But I have

[Page 23]
spoken to soon, As I write this the shells are coming over thick and heavy, not singly but in 3 and 4. Our side is very quiet, It is now 6.45 A.M. The 8 in shells mentioned as coming over from the Turks, are British make Armstrong Withworth. We have about 200 guns here. Three R.H.A. Batteries B.L.F.
18/6/1915
Shells still coming over for about an hour. Aircraft busy. War ships rocking in shots last night, behind Achi Baba signs of another bombardment. Just got word that the 1st Battery had 2 horses killed, and one wounded had its nose blown off. 10.45 A.M. Vet officer Capt Heslop shoeing smith, and myself performing an operation under very severe shrapnel fire, A shrapnel bullet in between cannon & splints bones, we got it out alright, A lot of drivers were looking on they were soon missing, 250 horses sick and wounded, were shipped yesterday for either Lemnos or Alexandra, not sufficient room on the Gallipoli Peninsula. We are now in our seventh week here.
19/6/1915
Bombardment took place last night

[Page 24]
7-15. Two horses returned to duty both were wounded, one fetlock and back tendon, another on near fore arm. A sick horse report to be furnished once a week, Saturday preferred to Vet officer. Corp Evens seriously wounded, He died a day or two later
20/6/1915
At 5 A.M. the French opened fire. An Artillery duel between French and Turks. Sunday 7.30 Church of England service in progress, The parson is a thorough gentleman. The 3rd Battery wagon lines a butchers shop. 2 time shrapnel burst amongst their horses killing four and wounding 6, Getting dreadful, a lot of our drivers breaking down nerves gone
21/6/1915
5.15 A.M. An attack on the right flank by the French, supported by us Aartillery fire everywhere, hundreds of rounds being fired. Yesterday two aeroplanes, ours were destroyed by the Turkish Artillery fire on the aerodrome, No place here is safe you are under fire all day and night The Turkish position is very strongly fortified Boiler plates are used freely and their trenches are 10 feet deep. It is an awful sight to see the dead

[Page 25]
and wounded on both sides, lying out and being walked on, no possibilite to bring them in or bury them, Some of our men have been out there a month and are still there. The stench would knock you down. A report going around that in ten days we leave here and go to England for a rest and then go to France. What false hopes The attack on the right flank of Achi Baba still continues, we have gained two trenches and a redoubt it is now 3 P.M. 3rd Battery had another horse wounded. The fuzz off a shell tore its chest open a horrible wound, put both your fists in it together.
Further particulars about the aerodrome 80 shells some where about 6 in fell in half an hour, killing only one man, and damaged two aeroplanes The attack on the hill lasted all night.
22/6/1915
The attack on Achi Baba on the right flank according to reports, was very successful, captured 15 trenches, The enemy very quiet about 4 or 5 shells sent over at our rear. A 75 French Battery near us fired 1000 rounds per gun in the attack, starting at 2 A.M. on the21st and finished at 7 A.M. on the 22nd. A Farrier Q.M.S. of R.H.A attached to our Head quarters Aeroplanes busy this morning. The weather is dull, not too hot but the flies are

[Page 26]
troublesome. 9.30 A.M. an aeroplane duel. A British aeroplane chasing a German, a few rifle shots exchanged, no damage done Later another German aeroplane over dropped three bombs killing 3 horses and wounded 2 which were afterwards destroyed
23/6/1915
Prince of Wales birthday. For a wonder the first shell come over at 10 A.M. Things very quiet. Men returning from the trenches I believe they will draw fire, in fact as I write this they have already started sending over thinck and heavy
24/6/1916 Fine bright morning rather hot flies bad a few shells falling in French lines. The aeroplane dual on the 22/6/15 Our man brought him to earth, falling in his own lines. 3 P.M. The 1st Battery had some bad luck 1 man killed and one wounded at Bty. One horse killed and 2 wounded at wagon line. Some heavy firing going on, on our right flank, Aeroplane busy been shelled by the Turks don’t go with in yards of them, R.N.D. returned to camp,been in trenches 9 days. The sun sets here at 7.30 not dark before 9 oclock
25/6/1915

[Page 27]
4.45 A.M. The usual number of shells coming over. Weather hot, flies bad, indications of another bombardment. Drawing up till midnight, ammunition, on the 24 mm. The Turks are getting played out, no food A number of their Batteries are silenced.This is a game of waite, The slaughter here is something awful, Dead Turks lying everywhere, the stink is awful The big guns from Asia has given us a spell, likewise fort Chanak. Turks made an attack last night, the Naval Division suffered great loss
26/6/1915
Turkish aeroplane over, dropped 3 bombs, also a bundle of proclomations one bomb fell in 3rd Bty cook house, no damage done, The procolomations fell in 3rd Bty wagon line, very interesting telling us to surrender, 6.30 shells coming over in cart loads, time to get under cover, Another man wounded in firing Battery line. Our Battery 1.008 rounds of ammunition at Battery Three aeroplanes, one French, British and one Turkish all up together dodging one another. The French aeroplanes can travel 70 miles 110 miles an hour

[Page 28]
the fastest
27/6/1915
Exceptionaly quiet no shells, absolutely the tamest day we have had. Signs of another big stir up, eight aeroplanes up 7 P.M. French Battery firing, one of our men wounded with a piece of high explosive shell, not requiring medical treatment
28/6/1915
About 4.30 A.M. we opened fire, an artillery duel in progress, shells coming over from Asia. The bombardment is close at hand, We are to supply, horses, harness and men to 3rd Battery when required. They think that they are going to advance.
The bombardment started at 10.30 AM 14 warships took part in it heard we captured 14 machine guns also a number of trenches, The observation baloon is up first time since we arrived here 3 P.M. very quiet no shooting, plenty of ammunition going up to the Batteries Weather very hot flies still troublesome no sign of any rain. Sir Ian Hamiltons headquarters are at Embros island Had a look at a 3rd Bty horse today that was wounded never saw a

[Page 29]
worse wound in all my life. A fuze entered its chest, The flies are a great nuisance here, maggots get in the wounds This is our 8 week under shell fire The destruction amongst horses and mules is not so great as previously, Our horses are on half rations. The bombardment this morning finished at 1 oclock. We captured 7 lines of trenches 14 machine guns and a six gun battery. Another go this evening started at 6 P.M. finished at 8 P result not yet known One of our men seriously wounded
29/6/1915
Fighting all night terrible slaughter dead Turks lying about all over the place, heavy artillery fire at 5 A.M. One of our R.G.A. 60lb 90th Battery gun got knocked out yesterday, a direct hit, two men killed, Aeroplanes up all night, expecting a trip to Battery with ammunition, Aeroplane dropped three bombs near our lines one on the R.M.L.I. lines. Turned out a terrible hot day ending with a dust storm. A most fearful bombardment last night about 8.30, lasted until midnight Our wagons out after ammunition. Shrapnel all over them, no damage

[Page 30]
done . Marvelous escapes
30/6/1915
5.15 A.M. French opened fire on the right flank. Fine cool morning, a bit cloudy, the flies would eat you. On Tuesday 29th inst 167 prisoners were captured and taken to Embros. Another attack by Australian troops at Gaba Tepe gained 800 yards. Shells from Asia coming over all night, high explosives about 4.7. Today the Senegalese captured 300 yards, the French 3,000 yards and fell back 1,000 yards, leaving 2,000 yards gained. Another man wounded today just joined the Battery bullet in arm making a total of 26 killed and wounded. A French ammunition wagon wagon blown to pieces
1/7/1915
5.15 A.M. Just sent 3 wagon loads of ammunition 202 rounds to Battery. Asia just opened fire, shooting most of the night, A most extraordinary thing for them to shoot at night, gives their position away. Achi Baba quiet. One aeroplane blown to pieces.
2/7/1915
General in command of French division severely wounded, not expected to live. Hit by a piece of high explosive shell

[Page 31]
Our casualties during the bombardment on Monday were 2,000 mostly slight wounds. Six horses wounded in Brigade Head Quarters. Also one Corporal. Our lines are exceptionaly quiet no shells worth speaking about. Yesterday was mail day Being in charge of wagon line I have the handling of it. The French use a mortar The Turks wont stand in front of them They make a terrific noise, and tear the trenches to pieces. Today they are going to use them freely. I never saw anything like the last bombardment, the hill for about 2 miles was one mass of dust and smoke, it was a living hell We are issued with resporators to be used in case of poisonous gasses, We hear that the Turks say, in their trenches is a slaughter house, and I believe it is true.
3/7/1915
5 A.M. One shot from Achi Baba, Thunder storm last night most of our men got wet This happened 12 o’clock midnight. We don’t use tents, they are not issued, in fact you cannot use them. We have to get on the best way possible. Today is Saturday, the morning very quiet as regards fighting. I think the Turks are getting fed up with it. They are playing a loosing game

[Page 32]
General Baj Bayou is in charge of the 1st and 2nd division of French troops A few men, R.N.D. going to trenches Full rations for our horses yesterday Oats and Canadian hay. Very good feed Horse No 2656 (Dr Bennett) wounded in neck by piece of shrapnel returned to duty. 11 A.M. number of high explosive shells over, as far as I could tell not many injured. Missed about 50 horses by as many as inches. These shells were all percussion
4/7/1915
Rained like fury last night but it is a fine bright morning A great alteration in wagon line. Hours laid down for parade never heard of the likes on active service. Morning stables 6.30 Midday 11.30. Evening 4.30 A new type of shell coming over, this was very large, somewhere about 5 ¾ inches thin case painted blue. The Argyll and Southerland Highlanders arrived yesterday 2,500 regulars, the rest territorials. 6,000 troops at Lemnos. About 11 A.M. a most terrific upheaval on our right flank turned out to be a French magazine, a beautiful sight. A cloud of smoke

[Page 33]
intermingled with rockets, Hundreds of feet high, The Turks are putting a lot of shells over on to the beach. We can hear them screaching over, They also bombarded a spot about 700 yards from our camp. Today is Sunday.
5/7/1915
At 3 A.M. the French opened fire on the right flank, it is now 6 A.M. and are they are still at it. The Turks are replying shells flying about everywhere. The rifle and machine gun fire is continuous. An aeroplane a Taube is over. A 6 in shell from Asia fell in our horse lines this morning. The attack is still on going strong plenty of air craft also up. 7 A.M. The H.L.I, and A. and S.H are opposite our lines. The Argylls are wearing kilts with a kakaicover. The Howe lines are getting hell this morning. The bombardment lasted till 9.30 A.M. The Taube aeroplane dropped 4 bombs. Had a narrow escape myself this morning. A shell passed over my head, felt the wind only a matter of a fraction of an inch. Horse No 570 wounded, on 21/5/1915 destroyed. This morning Corp Shaw of 3rd Bty wounded in abdomen. Yesterday a French transport was

[Page 34]
sunk, just landed troops. She was still full of ammunition, sunk about ¾ of a mile from shore. The Majestic and Triumph sunk near the beach. You can see part of the bottom of the Majestic about 100 yds from land The explosion on the 4/7/1915 was a land mine no doubt it belong to the Turks. A shell from Asia got in it that is all that is known about it however not a soul was injured 13 aeroplanes up going over in the direction of Asia
2 men killed and 10 wounded in D Company Howe Battalion, also 14 rifles blown to pieces. A regular stampede hundreds of Naval division rushed down to our lines, panic stricken. This happened about 20 yds in rear of our lines.
6/7/1915
Another fine morning, hot. At present things quiet, our people doing a little shooting, Rifle fire nearly all night. Last evening the Turks made an attack but were driven back, at the point of the baynot.
Extract from Peninsular Press
Any Turkish troops retiring with out orders, are to be shot, any officer failing

[Page 35]
to do same, will be court Martialed The press is printed everyday by the R.C. it is an official paper.
Another Extract
From the 28th of June, to the 2nd July the Turkish losses were 5,000 killed and 15,000 wounded. The thirteen aeroplanes that went over last evening went on a bomb dropping, expedition, headed by flight commander Samson, He carried in his machine a 185 lb bomb,They destroyed the two aeroplanes belonging to the enemy that were dropping bombs yesterday, they also destroyed the hangers.
7/7/1915
A nice quiet bright morning, no one would think, that a war was in progress. Just one or two isolated gun and rifle shots The R.N.D. were relieved by the H.L.I. a cock sure lot. They said, where is the hill you are stuck at, when shown, said what that thing, we’ll show you how to walk over that, It remained to be seen, They have only been here a day or two (They have gone but the hill is still there 26/10/1915)
Our B.A.C. is still at Mex camp Alexandria six aeroplanes making a raid, Our planes, 4 bombs dropped, damage not known

[Page 36]
This happened between 5 and 6 P.M. My first time at the Battery firing line today, Our wagon line is about 1 ½ miles away things very quiet
8/7/1915
Still fine rather hot, no shells flying about, plenty of flies, The whole of the infantry are being relieved, the artillery, just our luck is staying here 6.30 A.M. First shell over, The unfortunate R.N.D. is suffering again, high explosives in amongst them. Saw a hole made by a Turkish shell supposed to be 16 in. 10 feet across, and 5 ft 6in deep, They believe it come from Chanak. Went to ordnance for a Naval 3lb gun, not ready, it is going to be attached to the 2nd Battery, what for I don’t know
9/7/1915
Nothing much doing, another 5,000 troops landing, the 29 Division leaving on 13th Horses suffering from the effects of ticks, a large number here. A few shots in the R.M.L.I and K.O.S.B. lines a few men wounded Some heavy shooting in the firing line. In the Naval Division, 19 men wounded and three killed, by one time shrapnel, the only one out of about a dozen that done any damage

[Page 37]
10/7/1915
Turkish Artillery retreated behind the hill, heavy rifle fire last night on right flank, 6,000 head of stock on this peninsula, They are cutting a trench across from one side to the other for the supply of ammunition
11/7/1915
5.30 P.M. 140 rounds of ammunition going to Battery. Another bombardment coming off. 2 wounded men returned to duty today. Bad reports about the hospital treatment something awful A few shells over this morning, hit a G.S. wagon, and run it back just in rear of our lines, one time shrapnel burst in our lines, no damage done too high
12/7/1915
A General attack. 4.30. French artillery and rifle fire, The bombardment just started. Monday 7.15 A.M. Terrific, shells falling all over us, cannot hear yourself talk, have to shout. Hundreds of stretcher bearers going to the trenches, A shell just went over a party they were bowled over no one hurt. The R.N.D, R.M.L.I. A.I.L.H, H.L.I. lines are suffering severely. We

[Page 38]
have at Battery 1,008 rounds of ammunition, Without doubt the Turks are great fighters. Of course they have had months to prepare for this, Bombardment eased at 7 P.M. Warships firing on Krithea village Turks running. 260 prisoners captured this morning and 200 this evening and 2 German officers all elderly men, seemed greatly fatigued, There are 84 in a yard not 200 yards from our lines. Some 4.7 shells in our lines today. Still another narrow escape one fell 6 yards from me, most awful noise, no damage done, 2 men in 1st Battery wounded. The farrier of 3rd Bty had a narrow escape, just missed him by a hairs breath, knocked over 3 men, no one hurt, not even a scratch It is bad on our side, but it must be fair hell on the Turks. The Scottish in the firing line today. Our side suffered heavly 304 rounds sent to Battery tonight, waiting to draw. Drew 1,308 rounds today, one gun out of action, spring broken. Got one from the R.H.A. B.A.C.
13/7/1915
Tuesday. French firing away on right flank. Our Bty got only 250 rounds, cant get any

[Page 39]
more. None at B.A.C. One of our men broken arm, hit by a bullet (rifle). Bombardment continues Prince George firing broadsides on top of Achi Baba, Clouds of dust and smoke rising from it. Our Battery fired 17 shots in 48 seconds, wiped out a battalion of Turks. Prisoners coming down all day, it is now 4.30 P.M. Drew 76 rounds from 6th Battery and 304 rounds from 3rd N.Zealand Battery, Got 9 trenches yesterday, Things going alright. One man Gr Adams wounded, also one horse 2847 Borley wounded, rifle bullet in near thigh, This horse was working in water cart, carting water from Romanos well to the Battery. Another man wounded in calf of leg (Dr Lane) Drew ammunition 341 rounds.151 from 15 B.A.C R.H.A. 190 17th B.A.C. at 12.30 P.M. sent same to Bty 14/7/15
14/7/1915
Fierce fighting on right flank, the hill is almost surrounded, Thousands of dead Turks lying about. Battle ship putting in a few shells last night. 5 of our men wounded yesterday. Some of Kitcheners army arrived last night Weather still hot, The new arrivals, turned out to be Staffords Infantry
15/7/1915

[Page 40]
Aeroplane over dropped 2 bombs. This was at 6 A.M. Our plane out after him. Orders to draw a Naval 3 lb gun from ordnance today, also ammunition from H.B.A.C. Drew 300 rounds
16/7/1915
The Staffords cut up a bit last night, Asiatic Annie the  done the damage The R.N.D. also suffered, These shells were coming over about midnight. We had a number fall about our lines. The casualties in the Battery now are 35 Two men that were wounded have since died, Makinson and Sheppherd. The Bty has again been complimented upon its good shooting. The R.M.L.I. lost all officers with the exception of one, and he was sick in camp, The doctor had to take charge. Eight aeroplanes up last night The Turkish aeroplane that was chased by our man yesterday, was followed to the aerodrome, Our man went down to 400 feet come back riddled with bullets, The aeroplane not the man.
17/7/1915
The damage done on beach by Turks X on the 16th midnight 80,000 rounds small arms ammunition destroyed, and the water works put out of action

[Page 41]
Men only staying 24 hours at trenches now, The stink of the dead too bad, in fact they have to dig new trenches, and fill in old ones, at the same time burying the dead in it. I have taken the 3lb with 300 rounds of ammunition up to the trenches Very quiet, at present, likely to liven up any minute, very hot, flies bad. 9.15 A.M. A fierce attack all along the line. Asiatic Annie done some damage last night at 12 o’clock, set fire to millions of rounds of ammunition. One man in 3rd Bty killed by shrapnel
18/7/1915
Reinforcements for R.N.D. arrived last night. The Chesshire regiment of foot arrived yesterday. Portion of Kitcheners army. Very tame all day. The fire on the night of 17th the ammunition was mostly captured Turkish with some French and British, It was in a heap ready to be sorted
19/7/1915
Monday. Fine morning. 6.30. It will be a hot day. Flies still a nuisance, eat you alive. Our well almost knocked out. A 4.7 shell fell about 2 feet off it. I was in amongst the dust, and smoke, As luck would have it only 2 men were there, just arrived the day before

[Page 42]
One was knocked out, he belong to the Anson Battalion R.N.D. We carried him to my dugout, had a job to bring him around, it took us half an hour. The other man belong to the Drake Battalion he got a bruise on the leg, Both extremely lucky. The Turks are shelling all over the show today while writing this about 50 shells landed in our lines opposite ours Just got orders to draw 149 rounds of ammunition from 17 B.A.C. Another man gone to hospital today There is another bombardment coming of in a few days, We still have 1,008 rounds of 18 lb ammunition at Battery today. Our base at beach is getting a lively time today.
20/7/1915
Turks at us early this morning, 5.30 A.M. putting over a few shots, 3 men in 1st Bty wounded yesterday, The fleet is here, we got a doing yesterday. Some beautiful time shrapnel, burst in our lines. The 3rd Battery had some clothing blown to atoms, The weather this morning is dull and cool, Some talk of our being relieved, The Lincolns arrived last night, a division of Kitcheners army

[Page 43]
21/7/1915
More troops arrived the Nott and Derby, Sherwood foresters, There are 3,500 coming here, The R.N.D. captured a redoubt last night. A fire on French beach, The petrol stores on fire. A few shots coming over Shelling the beach all morning. Lieut Asquith, R.N.D. wounded, this is the second time. Another man had his hand blown off with a hand grenade. The water supply is not sufficient, they cannot get it up to the men in the trenches. 17 men yesterday and 27 the day before fainted in the trenches, from want of water. We have gained a lot of ground, this last week or two., Our Captain went over the new trenches to sketch to sketch them, and make a report about them, it took him 8 hours to do the job. The dead are as thick as flies One unfortunate man was out 4 days with a broken leg, several attempts were made to bring him in, but failed every time. Our horses are not doing as well as they should, They are getting a disease of the mouth, Our Vet officer calles it Stomatitis, it breaks out in little pimples full of pus, we use a salve of Zinc Sulph and Glycerine. It is very good

[Page 44]
We are waiting for an attack by the Turks. They are consentrating behind Achi Baba 100,000 men, This we believe is a final attempt, The French Artillery killed 1 officer and wounded 4 men of the R.N.D. The shot fell short. Lieut Selmes horse is in a frightful state He brushed a little behind, It went absolutely rotten. G.P.M. shells flying about, one fell within a foot of an Indian mule cart, about twenty men around it no one hurt, There is a patch of ground 200 x 300 yards they pumped in about 50 rounds, this ground has on it wells and latrines, No troops camped on it and all the damage they did, wounded one man.
22/7/1915
Another quiet morning, rifle fire all night, Just heard that Corp Evans is dead, died going to hospital shot through the lungs. The 6th Battery are having bad luck, The Major and Capt are both killed about a week ago. The Capt had his arm blown off at shoulder and hit on head with shrapnel. 7 A.M. Turks are having a little bombardment on their own Our casualties to date number 37
One of our men got a commission in the

[Page 45]
Indian Mule Corps, They do all the carting for new troops. A pair of mules in a two wheel cart with a pole the weight of the cart rests on the mules back, The mules are very small, beautiful little creatures well cared for.
23/7/1915
A fierce attack by the Turks last night lasted an hour or two, This morning things are very quiet, There are hundreds of thousands of men landing here each day and night. The French don’t go short of fresh meat. Every horse that gets wounded and has to be destroyed, they eat. Horse flesh is not so bad. I have tried it fried. Horse No B.826 Destroyed, its off side hind foot almost rotted off. The smell would make you sick. A terrible place for wounds. Today it is windy and dusty, no sign of any rain. 2.30 P.M. an attack just started, opened by rifle fire The Artillery started 15 minutes afterwards Today is some great feast day of the Turks. This is the day they said, that they would drive us into the sea, I am a bit mixed in the dates however, today is Friday. The attack is made by the Turks. About 50 rounds put into the Indian transport Corp, knocked out a

[Page 46]
few.
24/7/1915
German aeroplane over 5.30 A.M. dropped 3 bombs, This aeroplane was marked like ours, red, white, and blue rings. Turkish Battery at 11 P.M. fired 10 rounds, it is not often they fire at night. terrible windy and dusty, no rain, a lot of traffic about here. They are again, shelling the beach. As I write this dozens of shot are going over. Taking it all into consideration the damage they do is comparatively small. A percussion shell is no good, except as a direct hit. I have seen men within inches of them, and not get hurt. They have been putting a lot of shell near our camp. This morning the first aid dressing station is being shelled, Expect to see the ambulance wagon blown to pieces. It is still there they put a shell through the tilt. The horse No 826 destroyed, on close examination was found to be in a shocking state, rotted right into the bone, When we were digging a hole to bury him, we were stopped by two officers, Had to drag him 1 ½ miles to bury him then
25/7/1915
Enemys aeroplane over dropped 1 bomb, our plane up after him, Another Battalion

[Page 47]
of Notts and Derby arrived last night Battleship arrived on the job. The top of Achi Baba was shelled yesterday evening a terrible upheaval, surmised that there are guns concealed there. S.M. Smidt of 3rd Bty that was wounded, returned this morning, Our casualties to date number 42, that is killed wounded and sick men sent away. The Turks are shelling us this morning, they also sent over some last night, about midnight, They make a practice of shelling certain places all day and occasionaly at night. The Asiatic guns are fairly silent, We have a howitzer Battery engaging them 9.4 I believe. The weather today is fine, no dust, no wind Turkish bombardment this morning 11 oclock Indian mule carts horses and men flying all roads. 4.7 in amongst them, High explosives. The Turks have started to use gass, but luckly it was a failure
26/7/1915
5.30 First shot over this morning. Five shots from Asiatic side, last night very close to our lines. Last evening six aeroplanes up scouting about, 79 rounds of ammunition drawn from

[Page 48]
the 17th B.A.C. and taken to the battery. Some big move on hand, still thousands of troops landing Message recieved from Group I. 15/7/1915. The following message read from VIII Corps begins. Turkish officer of 20th Regiment captured, reports his company has already been supplied with two cases of gas bombs to be mechanically propelled, also with pump for pumping liquid fuel to be ignited by sun glasses. All troops in front lines to be warned, and the instructions ordered strictly enforced.
23/7/1915 PENINSULA PRESS
Northern Section, Inflamatory shells, length about 15 inches by 3in was fired by a noiseless gun at our lines this afternoon it burst making holes one foot in diameter, and setting alight the ground eight feet in diameter which was easily extinguished, Last night the Turks threw some liquid into one of the French trenches and then tried to ignite it with bombs, but failed. The nature of the liquid is unknown at present. This is the first time on the peninsular that German tricks

[Page 49]
have been tried.
Our observing station got peppered with 4.7 shells. One over, another in front, one each side and a time burst on top cut the telephone wires. About 40 reinforcements arrived today 26th inst.
27/7/1915
Lecture given about gas as used by Germans in France, By all accounts the effect is cruel, one sniff and a man is ruined for life.,The lungs swell up to an enormous size and then burst. We are issued with woolen helmets saturated with a certain chemical. The helmet is put on over the head, and fastened around the neck, by collar of shirt a piece of transparent material is put in front to see through. The authorities believe that gas will be used. The Naval observation baloon is up at 6 A.M. They observe for the navy fire. It seems a regular thing for the Turks to fire at night now. Last night, about midnight, a number of high Explosives came over. The explosive now used is greater than formely used. Aeroplanes busy

[Page 50]
this morning, Weather still warm and fine. Flies still plentiful New M.O. visited our wagon line yesterday, Nothing suited him, one of those men that quoted book all the time. I might say that our doctor Capt Howes and Corp Jones and another man went to hospital with fever All A.M.C. men. Fever is raging here. The fleet reserve men belonging to the R.N.D. have gone to Lemnos to be drafted onto boats. The French have landed some 55 Millimetre guns a little over 6in they fire on the top of Achi Baba. Today Tuesday is a feast day of the Turks An attack is likely to take place but so far there are no signs of it They still continue to shell the beach. They shell from two places. Achi Baba and the Asiatic shore, and without doubt 150 to 200 shells lop there every day. As I write this the shells are going over. The damage they do is comparatively small. The most serious damage of all was a shell through ordnance store. Great talk about the French 75 Field Artillery and the damage they do. The guns are good no doubt, but still, they kill a terrible lot of their men, and ours

[Page 51]
also. Talking about the French I have no time for them, on this peninsula at any rate, They think they own it They take charge of all wells and water troughs and mount a guard over them. The officers are gentlemen, but the privates are pigs. And while on the subject I will say, that they are the most unsanitary people here, their camps are simply awful. I have known men particularly Artillery men to sleep with legging spurs on absolutely everything on, week after week, The treatment of horses, Artillery I am talking about, is without doubt an eye opener. Talk about cruelty to dumb animals, I have seen horses taken to water with hardly a leg to stand on, Bullet wounds (septic) in legs and body with pus running out, Another favourite habit is jagging the mouth of the horse I have seen their mouths bleeding, Horses in wagon lines packed close together kicking and biting one another, legs swollen, heels galled and horses sick, suffering from the affects of colic and catarrahal. They water twice per day, not because they can’t get water, but because their system is rotten, Their shoeing is done by contract. The Farriers supplies, shoes, nails, coal and tools. It takes

[Page 52]
two men to shoe one horse. Two men at one foot, One holds up the foot and the other works at it. They also eat any horse that is killed by the enemy. Their Army service is rather complete, also complicated. Each division has its own transport. Their vehicles are of all sizes and descriptions. The men that look after their animal the best are the Indians. Enemy’s aeroplane over 6 P.M.. Dropped 3 bombs, one of our planes already up made no attempt to molest him.
28/7/1915
Twice the enemies aeroplane was over this morning 5.15 and 5.30. Just scouting about observing & etc. Weather still fine Very quiet this morning, 10 reinforcements arrived, raw recruits. Left Sydney in May. Never saw a gun or wagon before. Sent to wagon line for me to do as I like with. It is creating a lot of discontent in the 1st B.A.C. and Batteries. I have already got a sample of April reinforcements. Takes them about an hour to harness a pair of horses
29/7/1915
Turned out last night at 9 o’clock to bring a new Battery from the base, D Battery. Their horses are at Alexandria

[Page 53]
finished at 5.30 A.M. Their position is about half a mile in front of our Battery. A fairly warm place One of our old hands is back again after an absence of six months. He went to Malta sick.
The Battery we took into position last night is D Battery 66 Division 13 Brigade gave us a large amount of work going all night. The bigest lot of wasters I ever saw, they want spoon feeding Expected us to take wagons up to firing Battery in daylight, a thing we never do, all our work is done at night. One of their men was wounded the first night, shot through the arm, not serious. German aeroplane over this morning dropped one bomb. Our aeroplane was up about an d hour before. He the German, was up a terrible height, appeared he was looking for guns. A 15in Howitzer landed last night. Talk of a big bombardment tomorrow. The reinforcements are a poor lot of men only half trained.
30/7/1915
Battle ships sent a few in last night. The weather still continues fine, no sign of any rain. A number of new field Batteries are arriving. The Battery we took up on the 29th had some of their gun pits blown

[Page 54]
away, only been there a few hours. Two shells over this morning 5.30. The health of the troops here is very bad, for example the 5th Lincolns that come here were a smart lot body of men, today most of them get about half dead. Frenchman on horseback galloped through our lines, horse run away with him, A wonder he didn’t crack his neck Battle ship firing on the top of Achi Baba 80 or 90 shots a beautiful sight, a terrible upheavel The enemy was very quiet this day. This evening, a big attack on the left, lasted half an hour. 3 or 4 shots over this evening at 7.30 P.M. Tonight another Battery of Artillery lands. The Q.M.S. of B Battery was killed, hit by a shell. He was here only a few hours. A few prisoners captured this evening. A mob of Indian sheep or goats grazing on crest of hill, the Turks opened fire on them, put in 50 shots following them half a mile, as luck would have it they either fell behind or to the left, not one animal was toutched, Q.M.S. of Engineers killed rather rough on Q.M.Sgts. We recieved bad news last night at 9 o’clock to the effect that hill 60 was again retaken by the Germans, and that a division of men were

[Page 55]
killed by poisonous gasses, which is I hope not true. We also heard that 25,000 Turks surrended at the Pursian Gulf with all guns, rifles, ammunition, and stores.
31/7/1915
Hot this morning very hazey, one shot over, just sent 6 A.M. on to beach, Not often they send them down so early, it will upset things a little, as most of the rations are drawn about this time. Our doctor, Capt Howes, returned to duty yesterday. The enemy are sending the shells over on to the beach alright this morning fast and furious, Tonight 9 aeroplanes over 7.30 P.M. Been a very hot day, We now hear that hill 60 not been taken.
1/8/1915
A dust storm last night blew like fury. There is a lot of dust about, here. The Howe Battalion, R.N.D. held a bit of a consert last night, I think a thing like that could be left alone, considering the number of men in that particular battalion that have been killed. I consider it time enough to have the like of that after the war is over A large number of troops have been relieved from here. There was a fierce

[Page 56]
attack last evening and night. On receiving news of the great victory in the Pursian Gulf, an order came out to fire one round from every gun and rifle on the peninsula. The men in the trenches cheered when they got this order The Turks thought it was an attack and showed themselves so you see no ammunition was wasted.
The 6th Battery wagon line is still having a lively time, a few 4.7 in amongst them yesterday. One chap left his dugout and went into another, when he came back his dugout was a complete wreck, he was lucky. It is going to be a dirty day. I am writing this at 5.30 A.M. Sunday. I never in all my life saw so much sickness amongst troops as here. They get bad in their inside (dysentry) and then they get what the doctors call debility, and are then sent away to hospital The damage done at the base today is serious, the wireless station is blown to atoms 6 men killed and four wounded. There has been more shells over today than usual. Our Battery had a narrow escape this evening a German aeroplane over dropped 2 bombs. One failed to explode, the other

[Page 57]
attack burst near the cook house, which is on the right of the Battery, and luckly no one was injured. The disease amongst our horses is rather peculiar (Stumalitis) the Vet named it. It appears in little lumps along the jugaler vein, then breaks out in a pus formation which is very hard to check, in fact we cannot stop it. I had three horses suffering from it, at present I have only one which is not so bad, it is only about the mouth, and is almost well
2/8/1915
The weather still fine, not so hot this morning, Our wheeler Rawlings sent to hospital last night at 10 o’clock, Fever. The Asiatic guns firing last night saw a number of troops coming over the hill.
A few remarks about our daily routine may be interesting. Revallie 6.30 A.M. water feed and muck out, groom etc. Breakfast 7.30. After breakfast, fatigue draw rations, in the mean time 3 horses are sent up to the Battery, and orderly rides one and leads two, foone for our Q.M.I. and another for the Q.M.I. of D Bty

[Page 58]
66 division, to proceed to A.S.C. at beach to draw rations, They are issued to me at about 9 o’clock. The bread and jam is then issued to the men in wagon line, One man draws for four men. The water cart horses are then sent to the Battery, with two men. At 11.30 we water feed and etc again. Dinner is then served. The men are at liberty to go for a swim. 4.30 P.M. is evening stables this is when our work generally begins The water cart is again filled, ammunition is drawn, and taken to the Battery. Many a night we have been out till after midnight. The next duty consists of taking cartridge cases back to the ordnance depot. This is roughly our daily routine, with perhaps a little more added. The food we get here is not so bad. For breakfast we get bacon, bread and a mug of tea. Dinner is a very light feed tea, bread and jam. Bully beef if you care for it. For tea we usually have stew or fried, roast or boiled meat, with preserved potatoes and onions, and a pot of tea. We also get a ration of rice, and dried fruit, consisting of currants and rasins, sometimes prunes

[Page 59]
A rum issue of 2 fluid oz is issued 2 a week, Tobacco cigarettes and matches once per week. Lime juice is issued twice per week. The ration of bread is 2 men per loaf which weighs about a lb Biscuits are plentiful we can get as many as we like, as a matter of fact, anything in reason we want we can get, it is only a matter of indenting for it.
A number of Battle Ships putting a lot of shells on or over Achi Baba this afternoon about 4.30. The French have taken over some country on the left, they were sending in some large shells this afternoon
3/8/1915
Quite morning, no shooting of any sort. A bit of an attack last night. 6.30 A.M. German aeroplane over our lines dropped one bomb about 700 yards from us almost got a man on horseback, missed him by inches, the only living thing with in yards. Talk of a great bombardment on the 4th of this month, the anniversary of the declaration of war. We believe the attack is going to take place from three points at once, and we are going to drive the Turks over the hill

[Page 60]
To my knowledge we have three field Batteries, one Howitzer and one heavy Bty 60 lbs since the last bombardment A bit of a mix up about the reinforcement men that came here the other day, they are going to be sent back to Alexandria, and our own men substituted, no more than right, considering our men done all the rough work and sixteen weeks training in Egypt. It is a fact that men we have here at present only left Sydney in April of this year, and a beautiful lot of wasters they are. They never saw a gun, in fact one of them said to me, are you light horse. The first horse shot over morning 8.25 although this is a serious job a few jokes work in occasionaly. For example, Two stretcher bearers of the Manchesters were carrying a dead man out of the trenches, when an officer met them, and said, what have you there, a sick man tip him off this is for wounded men only. They tried to explain, he would not listen to them, do as I tell you he roared, they did so saying, he is dead sir. The officer left the spot rather hurridly.
The Major visited the wagon line today

[Page 61]
on his way to Artillery Head Quarters Our horses are in the best possible condition at present, I have only 38 all told. The work in our Battery is very little for our horses. The guns are still in the same position.
A few high explosives shells in front of our lines this morning. Can see a white flag flying in the centre of Achi Baba, Can’t make out if it is a dressing station flag, Their first aid flag is a red cresent and star on a white ground, However things are very quiet The Naval baloon is up 4 P.M. 3 or 4 shots have been fired. An hours bombardment by warships 4.30 to 5.30 P.M.
4/8/1915
12 month since the beginning of the war, The Turks are bombarding our trenches, otherwise things are very quiet this morning. Still rumours of a bombardment. Some trouble with our 18 lbs fuzes, this is new ammunition 11.30 A.M. the well in front of our lines was shelled again about 50 shells put around it, 3 or 4 water carts each with 2 horses and 2 men were there no one injured

[Page 62]
5/8/1915
German aeroplane over dropped two bombs one near the ammunition dumps, and the other at rear of our horse lines, no damage done.
Rather an extroardinary incident occurred in our lines last night between 9 and 10 P.M. One of the R.N.D. a man that often comes down to our lines, come down, and was talking away for a time, when he suddenly fell asleep, we tried all in our power to awaken him, Shook him, dashed water in his face, rubbed his face and hands and even lifted him up, They all failed entirely, We then carted him to the doctor, After half an hours work he awakened him. This morning the man appeared to be alright. 6.30 P.M. enemies aeroplane over dropped 2 bombs. That is twice he flew over our heads today. The Navy is tearing them into the hill this evening. Cholera we hear has broken out amongst the Turks. A new landing was affected between here and Gaba Tepe a day or so ago. Gaba Tepe is about 8 miles from here. Still rumours of a big day comming off. A few shells

[Page 63]
coming over from the enemy
6/8/1915
Dull cloudy morning rather cool, some heavy guns firing somewhere, warships I think. French practicing with machine guns, a new pattern they have got. Parade kit inspection today. Drew 356 rounds of ammunition 18 lb this morning. 356 rounds of 3 lb Naval. The Naval baloon just going up, Rumours of a bombardment at 2.30, this was written in the morning about eight o’clock. The bombardment did start at 2.25. The Navy set the ball going, 5 Monotors 2 Destroyers and 1 Russian warship bombarded all about Krietha Village. The time shrapnel is now playing on them it is 5 P.M. The rifle and machine gun fire is getting strong. Infantry advancing I presume. Later news, Captured 6 trenches (concrete) Our Battery firing all night 20 seconds interval, Drew today 580 rounds 18 lb ammunition
7/8/1915
German aeroplane over dropped one bomb and then made off. Artillery firing, Rifle fire very severe. One or two shells coming from the other side. Our lads

[Page 64]
at Gaba Tepe gained 3 trenches, and are now ½ a mile from the narrows. By all accounts the territorials turned dog and would not come out of their trenches and charge. It was fair hell up there yesterday, with 6in and 10in Naval guns playing on them. Lieut Selmes 2nd Battery Lieut Newmarch 3rd Battery, and Lieut Playfair of 1st Battery all wounded. This is the second time for Playfair before he was wounded in the face, The same this time. I believe we suffered heavly 228 rounds of 18lb ammunition sent to Battery this morning
152 rounds sent this evening at 2 o’clock. Stuck up for ammunition cant get it Continued bombardment at 8 A.M. mostly by French. At 2 P.M. a general bombardment by all troops here. Our operations at Anzac were successful 500 Turks captured. The 11th Division landed not much opposition. A terrible shake up in our wagon line 6 in shells bursting about our lines. Every minute I thought we would be wiped out One man belonging to Y Battery R.H.A. hit by a piece of H.E. shell. The piece of shell weighed about 2 lbs. it almost cut his thumb off. Another one of our

[Page 65]
men seriously wounded. At 4 P.M. the bombardment livened up some what rather strong rifle fire.
12 horses killed by a 6in shell at 17 B.A.C. A premature burst from a Monotor killed 3 horses on the beach. She was about 3 miles out. They are carting the wounded to the beach on lorries. It is a dirty windy day, hot and dusty I saw 2, 18 lbs guns going to the base both knocked out. Direct hits, One of our guns out of action for 3 hours, till I could get new part, Things are very busy
8/7/1915
63 prisoners captured yesterday. Turks attack at 8.30 last night. 251 rounds of ammunition drawn at 11 P.M. making in all 631, for the day. It is one of the worst jobs here, cant get it, got to wait till it comes from Lemnos, It comes over in destroyers. Dozens of wagons waiting for it. Took us 3 hours to get 251 rounds last night. The battery was again complimented upon its shooting. Official, 500 Turks captured and 9 machine guns, at Gaba Tepe. A British submarine sunk a Turkish warship carrying ammunition

[Page 66]
9/8/1915
Heavy firing in the direction of Gaba Tepe. This side very quiet. Some terrible big shells over last night, some in front, and some behind our lines. Weather, dull and cloudy every indications of rain. Flies troublesome Asiatic side shelling beach this morning, killed 2 men and wounded 4 horses, very quiet just now, no shots of any sort. 1 P.M. Rifle fire all night. One wounded man Jackson returned to Battery yesterday from Malta. Another man of Battery wounded. One of H.Q. killed, and another wounded, still no ammunition available
10/8/1915
Battle ships firing all night down Gaba Tepe way. Nothing doing we are simply on the defensive, I think it is near the end. Thousands of Turks have lost their lives, it is wholesale slaughter here with a vengeance. 2,500 loaves of bread is baked here every day, by the A.S.C.
A continuous bombardment at Gaba Tepe since 2 P.M. yesterday. We hear that the Turks are attacking in over

[Page 67]
whelmning numbers, cant believe it The first official envelopes were issued yesterday
11/8/1915
A very fierce attack last night at 8.30 continued for about an hour. This morning a warship put 2 shots into Krithia Village. As I write another one went in. By all reports we have the Turks surrounded if so, it is only a matter of time, and they will have to give in. The two landings are linked up with us, so we extend a lot over 9 miles. A report that Maidos town is captured. The shots this morning were fired from a monotor 9.7 Howitzers.
The Attack last night was partly made by us and partly by the Turks. Very fierce while it lasted, a terrible cannonade. The Turks were repulsed. They are very stubborn fighters. 8.30 A.M. very quiet, also hot, flies troublesome. Went to look at a big gun the French are mounting behind our lines 9.2 or 120 pounders, they are more of a naval gun, mounted on circular rails, so as to be able to fire at any point. Absolutely the best gun pits I ever saw, about 10 feet deep. The French also have a number of 4.7

[Page 68]
guns in action around here. As I was there I went down to V beach This beach is solely for the use of French troops, although we landed there. The S.S. River Clyde was run ashore there and is still there About 150 Turkish prisoners are working on the beach for the French. Near to the beach is the grave of an officer practically the first to fall here. (A shell just come over and frightened hell out of me.) It is a common sight along the roads and in by ways, to see wooden crosses on mounds of earth, surrounded by stones denoting the last resting place of some poor unfortunate fellow; who gave his life for his country, and written in pencil on the crosses, in memory of “ “ who was killed by shrapnel, date so & so. One grave in particular a Major, (I have forgotten his name) of the 24th Battery, is the best that I have seen yet, a railing about 14in high, made out of hoop iron, and painted green and white, and the cross is made out of the dividing pieces of an ammunition box, it looks real well, and is beautifuly kept. There are a large number of French graves about here, they are

[Page 69]
looked after well, One I saw a Lieut had a head stone, it was made out of cement, nearly all of them are catholics. The French had a bit of a bombardment today 4 Batteries fired 5,000 rounds in 2 ½ hours. The French battle ship, Prince Louie, was hit, a shell fell on her forward deck, not a great deal of damage done, when she was hit she sent in a broad side of six guns on Achi Baba. We captured the horse shoes trench. 400 of the Lanks went through the dressing station, and two companys are missing. This trench was occupied partly by the British, and partly by the Turks
12/8/1915
About a dozen squads of infantry drilling in front of our lines. One shell in amongst them, another over them. They are still at it, 8.30 A.M. A French General with an orderly, a Turco, the strangest turn out I ever saw, the cantle of the saddle like the back of an arm chair. The pommel high like a Mexican saddle, he wore loose white pants, with short leggins, a greenish jacket and a turban, he was wearing 2 medals. One of our guns reported

[Page 70]
out of action. 114 rounds of ammunition sent to Battery, Very quiet nothing doing. A complaint made about the state of our harness, particularly the steel work This complaint was lodged by our Captain
13/8/1915
A most fierce and determined attack made by the Turks last night at 7 o’clock. A terrific cannonade which lasted 2 hours, the rifle fire lasted all night. A hurried order down from the Battery for ammunition The Battery was firing 20 seconds, could only draw 76 rounds. Our Battery was the principal Bty supporting the attack of our troops. The Turkish Artillery are very much awake this morning, sending shells in 2 and 3 at a time, It is now 6 A.M. and indications of a hot day
14/8/1915
The 6th Battery 4 guns and 4 wagons went to Gaba Tepe last night, carried 100 rounds of ammunition per gun, The remainder of Battery attached to 1st Brigade. Very quiet last night. The East Lanks are relieved, they were in Cairo when we were there. Ammunition still scarce. 60 men of diffrent units, with self inflicted wounds, mostly in hands and fingers, waiting to be court martialed. Six men of the East Lanks

[Page 71]
A.M.C. were wounded near our Battery, They were getting relieved, bad luck. Very heavy firing on the right rear Battle ships, some talk of a Naval bombardment
15/8/1915
A most terrific night, the Asiatic guns bombarding us something cruel. This happened about 9 o’clock, hundreds of time shrapnel coming over, Our guns opened fire on them, and then the Battle ships started, This morning the warships put in about 200 shots this was at 5 A.M. They were shooting over on the Asiatic coast 4 or 5 miles away, just now they have ceased firing. 12 men of the new Zealand Artillery arrived in our lines last night, Had to send a N.C.O. to meet them
A battle ship firing 4.30 A.M. Turks returning fire with time shrapnel, no where near it. Regarding the shooting last night, as far as I can find out, only 2 men were wounded They were Naval Division men
16/8/1915
Early this morning an attack on the French Zone, heavy cannonading, and rifle fire. At 6.30 P.M. 380 rounds of ammunition taken to Battery. One of 3rd Bty teams, fouled one

[Page 72]
of ours in a gate way, almost capsized our wagon and threw one of our gunners on to the roadway, He was not injured. The damage done was one hand spike broken and one horse cut on off hock, and near side rump. A report was sent in to the Battery. The R.N.D. going to the trenches for 9 days. The Turks are getting desperate, and are making numerous counter attacks. Had a ride along the beach last night, the amount of work done there would surprise you. It was possible to land in 2 places only, Now they have roads along the beach for miles and landings at 5 or 6 different places. Roads made everywhere, you must understand, that the cliffs are anything from 100 ft to 150 in height, so the job was no easy one. The Royal Edward a British troop ship was sunk near Lemnos Island last Friday, today is Monday. She had on board 2.000 troops between 500, and 600 only were saved. Heard today that Vance had gone to Gaba Tepe with three other Sgts. A number of details joined our Battery last evening, amongst them is a Sgt and a Corporal. Almost a riot in the Battery amongst the N.C.O. This is the second Sgt attached to us

[Page 73]
17/8/1915
4 Sgts from 1st B.A.C. arrived last night Vance is amongst them. It was only in the evening that I heard he had left Alexandria.
A few shells over this morning high explosives, pieces falling over our lines The days are getting shorter, and a little cooler in the mornings, flies not so troublesome. The first gifts of chocolate and biscuits, were distributed amongst us today. The Naval Division are going to make an attack tonight to straighten the firing line. The poor devils are always in it, today 9 killed and wounded. One man in 1st battery wounded yesterday
18/8/1915
An order recieved last night to get G.S. wagon, and six horses, to remove Naval 3 lbs from near firing line, got through alright, had it back by 1 A.M. The 3rd New Zealand Battery has gone to Anzac, and D Battery Kitcheners army takes its place. A few shots over from Achi Baba Asiatic side this morning 5.30
19/8/1915
A few drops of rain, seems to be clearing off, Shells from Achi Baba

[Page 74]
(which means Good Father) last night about 9 P.M. Very nasty ones burst close to our lines. A vast amount of sickness here again, Dysentry fever Debility, Rheumatism & etc. The R.N.D. in trenches 2 days getting relieved, 200 paraded sick yesterday. We hear a lot of rumours here. One of them is that Warsaw is taken by the Russians and 1,000,000 Germans taken prisoner and cut off
20/8/1915
Fine and cool this morning. A number of shells over last night, 10 P.M. Some of the old sort, fall anywhere at any time. 400 reinforcements for R.N.D. arrived. A new Vet officer on the job, a real rotter, Capt Young 2 Brigade Capt Heslop going for a rest
21/8/1915
Very quiet morning General Paris with staff inspected the reinforcements of the R.N.D. He is head of the R.N.D. Still a lot of our men sick sending them away every day. Sgt Major Schmidt 3rd Battery going back to Australia invalided, his old wound has opened up again, bleeding internally
22/8/1915

[Page 75]
Nothing doing this morning, Sunday Still rumours of our moving, this is our sixteenth week here under fire I was inoculated against Cholera yesterday. The reinforcements belonging to the R.N.D. are dying already, most of them have been soldiering only 3 months One of them got drowned, and another contracted fever and died. 1,000 mules of the Indian Mule Corps, water at a well near our lines every evening. In the morning they start watering at 3 A.M.
The weather is still warm in the day time but cool at night, Very few mosquitoes here, in fact hardly any. Not 25 shots have been fired by our Battery this week, but a big stir up is in the wind. The C.O. was through our lines yesterday, he was down at Artillery head quarters. The French are occupying almost the whole of this peninsula. They are putting a Battery of 75, behind our Battery. Also another in our left rear. 4 aeroplanes over making for the Asiatic shore, surmised a French attack
23/8/1915
Another mishap last night, 7.30 one man wounded, a shrapnel bullet entered

[Page 76]
his hip and travelled up his back, carted him away to the R.N.D. dressing station, Never saw a man take it so bad. One horse killed, shot in chest entered the lungs. This horse was ridden by Bdr Fitzpatrick. Dr Simson was leading this horse back to camp when it fell into a ditch by the road side, after a lot of trouble we got her out, and upon examination found, that her near side hind cannon bone broken This is the outcome of exercising horses in bulk. Another 10 yards further along and 90% would have been wiped out. When this time shrapnel got in amongst us, every horse turned about and bolted back to wagon line. While I was attending to the wounded horse a number of shells landed on a bank over our heads 25 yards away. After we got the horse upon her legs, I never in all my experiences, heard a horse cry so piteously, She was staggering about when I shot her. We then had to fasten her behind a limber, under fire all the time and drag her about a mile to bury her. The man Jackson in the mean time was rendered first aid, and carried to the dressing station.

[Page 77]
This morning he will be taken down to the beach, and sent to Lemnos Island hospital. The R.N.D. are moving over to a place named gully beach. Bad luck for me as I used to get a good deal of food stuff from the Q.M.S. The Naval Division, with the exception of men moving camp, are going to the trenches. A terrible windy and dusty day
24/8/1915
Fine calm morning, very quiet, no shooting. The only thing moving, is, the usual number of mules going and coming from water, accompanied by their nigger drivers, with and an occasional string of english horses (R.H.A.) At last the 29th Division has gone away, but we still remain here, We were attached to them. A Battery of 60lb went away yesterday. Ten minutes past six the first shot over this morning fired by us. Three aeroplanes up this morning, going over Achi Baba. Reported that S.M. Sexton has got a commission. He is our Sgt Major
25/8/1915
Another night out, bringing up 2 Batteries of English Field Artillery. 18 lb Kitchener

[Page 78]
Army .C. Battery 56 Brigade. 10 Division. A small attack last night. Hill 50 captured by the Australians at Gaba Tepe. They are almost across the peninsula These Batteries are to relieve other Batteries that are here. At 5.30 this morning a few shots over from Turks. Two more divisions of French troops coming. A general move forward of most of the Artillery
26/8/1915
The attack on the night of the 24th was not exactly an attack. The official news that Italy declared war on Turkey was read out, to the French in the trenches, with the result that they fired three rounds rapid. I suppose the Turks thought it was an attack. They were firing for about half an hour. Nothing of any importance happening this morning. Our Sgt Major has got a commission, About 5 in the Battery put in for it. He is still with the Battery, but we expect him to go to Alexandria any day. Things are quiet, we are simply acting on the defensive. Still a number of shells going over on the beach, coming from Asia. We are getting a new class of shell over, I believe they are 6in time shrapnel. They come

[Page 79]
a long way, you cannot hear the guns. As a rule any shells that come over you can hear the report of the guns. Anyhow the burst are to high to do any damage Last night one burst over a lot of French troops and horses, no damage done at all. A few drops of rain last evening not much Thunder rolling about this evening, wind rather too high for rain
27/8/1915
The weather is cool and cloudy, a few drops of rain last night, with indications of more today. Vance is doing three days in the trenches, with an officer observing artillery fire. Last evening a few high time shrapnel over no damage done. The R.N.D. were amongst them, As before stated they have moved camp. Some very nasty shells over at 7.30, about 200 yards in front of our lines, 8in time shrapnel expected them to increase their range, but as luck would have it, they switched away to our right, and got on to the French. The French Battery in front of our wagon line have moved forward it was the 46 Bty. We hear that the French is taking over this peninsula. It will be rough here in the winter, it is bad enough today

[Page 80]
28/8/1915
Again cool this morning. A quantity of stores arrived to sell to the men in wagon line. A little rifle fire last night, absolutely no Artillery shooting, no information obtainable. Recieved two letters from home yesterday, also one from Gr Fountain, one of our sick men, gone to England
29/8/1915
Sunday. A lot of bomb throwing being practiced over in the infantry lines. Two prisoners to parade to the Battery this afternoon. Dr Josephson refusing to parade to M.O. when sick. The other Gr Martin, a waster from the 1st B.A.C. absent from his post on wagon guard. An Officer to sleep in wagon line. This is the first time in 5 weeks that an officer has been down here of a night.
Some beautiful shot over last night time shrapnel. Two casualties in our wagon line yesterday, and strange to say both were kicks from horses. One a Frenchman kicked in stomach and shoulder, the other a Dr of R.H.A. kicked in stomach and elbow.
30/8/1915
A general stir up in wagon line

[Page 81]
regimental stable parade on the battle field, never heard of such a thing. A general muster parade at 9 A.M. then harness cleaning, and after that inoculation, second dose.
A 6 inch shell landed 100 yards in front of Battery, bounced about 20 yards, and then burst, a most extraordinary thing. It was a high explosive, and strange to say no one wounded, and no damage done. A French aeroplane broke one of its skids on landing. The Turks put in about 50 shells, and the nearest went 200 yards off of it, of course it landed on the sky line. The Naval baloon is up, 6.P.M. a warship is blazing away, putting shots the other side of Krethia village
31/8/1915
Very quiet today, A few large time bursts. Visited the R.N.D. Q.M. Sgt, got 80 lbs of flour also a pair of slacks. A few shots over last evening. I am thinking that the new French division camped where the R.N.D. were, will get cut up in pieces
1/9/1915
Another month gone and we are still at Gallipoli, Cape Helles. A dirty windy day. A harness inspection carried out yesterday

[Page 82]
with fair results, a few sets dirty. The Navy is doing good work in and around our way. Preparations are being made here for winter quarters. A prisoner (Sloane) awarded 3 days C.B. Absent from early morning stables. We are expecting a big move in a day or two. We have been stock taking. 3rd Battery shoeing smith sick going away, My S.S. has been sick, he is in bad health, asking for a spell at Alexandria exchange with shoeing smith Elphick. The shells are coming over thick and heavy, high explosives 6 in very good bursts
2/9/1915
Rather cool today, wind eased off a little. Rifle fire strong all night, artillery fire at frequent intervals. First shot over this morning 6.30. A list of all horses out of condition, to be taken and forwarded to Vet officer today. It is likely that they will be sent to Alexandria rest camp. Some high explosives shells over from the Asiatic side, a deadly gun gives you no warning, you hear a scream and a second after, a frightful explosion. I have seen with my own eyes pieces of these shells falling half a mile from where the shell burst. They say it is a Naval gun off the Goebin.

[Page 83]
A Sgt and Corporal gone to Anzac this morning, got a commission, Sgt O’Rielly is the Sgt. Lieut Selmes stopping at wagon line sick. Today is not so windy.
3/9/1915
A fair amount of Artillery fire last night, although rather quiet this morning. No rumours of any move yet. We are simply waiting, God knows what for. German aeroplane over, dropped one bomb and then made off, time 6 A.M. On our left flank rather a fierce attack. Some very big shells exploding, they are coming from the Navy, as we can hear the boats shooting
4/9/1915
First shot over this morning 6.15. Just missed our wagon line by 50 yards, one single shot. Great stir up in our camp a rumour about that our horses with the exception of 6 teams and 2 water cart, and one riding, to go to Alexandria. A nice fine morning, no wind or dust, not hot or cold, just right. The attack the other night was from the Turkish side, it appears we were sapping towards their trenches, and they were doing the same towards ours. They got in first and blew our sap up. 9 men of the Manchesters were wounded.
5/9/1915

[Page 84]
Sunday, the weather still keeping fine, flies not so troublesome, Preparations for a winter campaign. A large quantity of galvanised iron and timber landed here, to build winter quarters with. Our troops at Anzac gained 400 acres a day or so ago, they also captured hill 60. This hill commands a beautiful position, is cost us a thousand lives. A Turkish searchlight on the Asiatic coast in full view of French lines, working away for all she was worth. The French opened fire on it, made an awful mess of the shooting, could not hit it. As soon as the Turks saw the flash of the gun, they shifted the light about 100 yards further down. The distance across the water from where the French were firing is roughly about 3 ½ miles. It is the entrance to the Dardanelles
6/9/1915
A fierce attack by the Turks last night. 20 shots over in 15 minutes, 4.7. All over our lines. A number of R.N.D. men burried in their dugouts. They started at 11 P.M. and ended at 2 A.M. no damage done in our lines. These 4.7 were all time bursts, they were beautiful to watch. When they burst a yellowish light

[Page 85]
would light up the camp. They come a long way, you can’t hear the report of the guns. The French were firing all night. 15 horses belonging to the 15th B.A.C. / R.H.A. were killed outright last night. A man belonging to the Drake Batt, hit with a fuze in the arm, almost tore his arm off. This was absolutely the worst night I have put in so far. The dust and stones were flying all over our lines. Early in the night a shell burst about 100 yards from our lines, the nose of it landed on the top of my dugout, it was a 5 ¾ inch. Today is again windy and dusty. I have just issued small calico bags filled with sulphur, to hang around our necks supposed to keep away vermin. The health of the troops is bad the worst desease is dysentry 90% of our men suffer from it, they send a lot away to Malta. I have seen some deplorable cases, men at the latrines all night long. Of course we have been inoculated against Cholera. Some of the doctors say that this dysentry is a mild attack of Cholera. At present the food is very good. Bread, fresh meat, onions, rice, rasins, currants

[Page 86]
and occasionaly we buy tinned fruit at 1/- per tin
7/9/15
Nothing much doing this morning. The Turks are giving us a rest. A rumour going about that in five or six days we are off to Suvla Bay. This is the new and last landing place. The men on this peninsula are suffering untold agonies. The dysentry is very bad, in fact 60 men of our Brigade paraded sick suffering from its effects only yesterday. The Naval Division had 200 men sick with it a day or so ago. Practically every man in the Battery has had it in some form or other. I don’t think it is the water. I think it must be the flies. I have had a toutch of it this last 3 weeks, and I drink but very little water. The food we get now is good, bread fresh meat, prunes, rice. The sick men get milk diet. Corn flour and milk, sometimes arrowroot and milk, and often oatmeal, Bovril or extract of meat. Our Battery was inspected by Major General Hunter Weston yesterday. This is the job to find out what men are made of. We have in the 2nd Battery,some absolute wasters, men that are worth about 2/- per week, real rotters

[Page 87]
Their only worry is how to get out of fatigue work.
The 90th Battery 60lb has got only one gun in action, she is firing away now.
8/9/15
Another night out last night. We had to furnish 4 four horse teams to move C Battery 56 Brigade into a new position We had to report at dusk. Then the work began. The new position turned out to be at a place known as Pink Farm, away on left flank, I recieved this information afterwards. A guide met our teams at the origanal position, and had instructions to lead us to the new position. He had already been there three times that day. We started off and after a while wondered where he was going to, We were sure he was on the wrong road, as he was making towards our wagon line, but naturally thought he had found a new road, Eventually we landed at 1st Battery wagon line. That was the end of that guide. Anyhow we found the Battery position, and went back to draw ammunition, got four loads again went to the Battery, and found them all asleep. We then went back to our own wagon lines. It was now 12.25 P.M. We again recieved orders to be at old position by day break with four wagons

[Page 88]
We had to draw these wagons belonging to C. Battery, which were at 1st Battery wagon line. We got there on time, and was told to wait till they loaded them with empty cartridge cases. We unhooked and cleared out, as rifle bullets were coming over rather thick. We went back to our wagon line. The time was 7.30 A.M. We again got orders to go up tonight and bring back wagons loaded with empty cartridge cases. This job could easily have been done in one night. Here are a few of my remarks. If this is the Imperial Artillery, then all I can say is God help them, they are worse than a lot of school children They cant even hook in a pair of wheelers And as I write this, still another order for a small arms limber, to proceed to W beach to draw canteen supplies for the 56 Brigade Head quarters. It is finished. You may hear of Batteries getting cut up, but you can take it from me that it is mostly their own fault. They have not enough sence to get in out of the wet
9/9/15
A bit of a stunt last evening on our left, lasted ½ an hour. Only one or two shots over this morning, no damage done. We finished our job with C. Battery last night

[Page 89]
I believe we leave here in six or seven days, so the officers say, but that remains to be seen, for Anzac. The weather is getting cool, especially of a night and morning. The flies are still bad. Recieved a package of writing paper and envelopes from Vance also one paper from home. Today is again windy and dusty, a little rain would do good. The Asiatic coast a good shelling from the French heavy guns
10/9/1915
A terrific bombardment by battleships on the Asiatic coast last evening. French aerial torpedos used freely on the extreme right. As gun shooting from Asia to here. 6.30. Pieces of shells falling in our horse lines. It is a beautiful gun, all you can hear is a screech, bang, and then see a cloud of smoke and dust It frighten a lot I can assure you. At 6.P.M. The Battle ships shooting behind Krithia Village. Rifle fire very consistant last night.
11/9/15
Cool windy and dusty, otherwise quiet. Rifle fire severe last night. A bit of a bombardment on the right flank. A bit of a dispute yesterday, A N.C.O. and five men sent on fatigue work over to the 42nd Divisional Artillery Head Quarters. The Non Com got annoyed

[Page 90]
and wished to be paraded to the officer here, said he wanted to hand in his stripe. (Act Bdr Dawes). A little responsibility and that is the end of these sort of N.C.O. A driver also wishes to parade (Dorman) This parade takes place this morning at 9 oclock. Lieut Selmes is the officer. Another case on today a driver (Josephson) hitting a horse (Old Walter) over the head with a sapling. A rather serious offence.
12/9/1915
Cool morning again, still windy. The Driver Josephson awarded 10 days C.B. for ill treating a horse, Old Walter the water cart horse. Sent £4 home yesterday through the field post office (registered). The enemy is very quiet this morning. My opinion is that the new landing at Suvla Bay, and further on is occupying the whole of their attention. We have this last day or so been making some attacks with no result no responce on the part of the enemy whatever, We have recieved orders to pack all of our vehicles. All gun pits dugouts and telephone wires to remain as they are. The wagon line may remain here. Vance is suffering from the dysentry. This disease is very prevalent, most of

[Page 91]
the men have suffered from it
13/9/1915
A bombardment this morning, started at 5.30, lasted half an hour, no rifle fire at all, only machine gun fire. No information available. Great talk about our moving to Anzac. The Adjutant went past our lines at 10.30 A.M. on his way to Anzac. We had a lively half hour this morning. Shells falling everywhere, I think they are 15 lbs. A French G.S. wagon with water casks on it at well, One shot about 10 yards over, they thought it about time to move, just moved when another shell fell in exactly the same place where the horses were standing. I never saw such luck. Two more shots just cleared our horses. No damage done whatever. This happened at 7.15 A.M. Monday. We had Lieut Olding here with a sprained ankle. Had to take him to the Battery in a wagon. He hurt his ankle on the way down to the wagon line, fell down a trench The night was very dark
14/9/1915
Terrific bombardment last night by the French and Navy, on the right flank, and another this morning on the left, by the British Artillery. A French torpedo

[Page 92]
boat was hit yesterday, and slightly damaged. She had to be towed to dock
15/9/1915
A thunderstorm this morning rained like fury. Started to rain at 12 oclock. The French got in with a bit of a bombardment. Our Adjutant returned from Anzac yesterday. I suppose we will have to shift soon, as the 176th regiment of French infantry are making dugouts in our lines. They ask no questions, but simply mark out the place, and bring about 200 men and start to work. The rain has stopped 6.A.M. It turned out a fine day. We are having a new routine as regards parades, Orders are now that we must have an hours foot drill and half an hour signalling each morning. The Turks bombarded us something terrific this morning for about an hour. The old game was played again, 3 and 4 shells over at a time. I am almost certain that the French will take over this peninsula, they have landed some heavy guns 9.2 long range. The preparations they are making are extensive. Three New Zealanders, killed in action about three months ago, their bodys were only got and buried yesterday. A prayer book found on one had a note in it, saying, if anything

[Page 93]
should happen to him to send it to an address in New Zealand. It seems a horrible thing for bodies to be left out all that time, but I can assure you it cannot be avoided. If a man only had to show his head above the parapet, it is certain death. Turkish aeroplane over 4.P.M. dropped 2 bombs then cleared out. Five of our planes up. Battle ship pouring shells into Achi Baba Surmised a 6 gun Battery is in action there. That is the Battery that was bombarding us this morning. My first taste of fresh fruit since Ive been on this peninsula. Lieut Olding is still in wagon line with sprained ankle, very bad.
16/9/1915
A beautiful morning, sun shining, no wind, with just a tinge of chrispness in the air. Every thing quiet no shooting. A most disgraceful thing happened at the Battery last night. Sgts Gurd, Bradwell, Hollis, Barlow, Corps Doughty, Bdr Thompson drunk and away from the Battery. Not only that but they insulted the officers. A crime like that on active service is punishable by death or 10 years penal servitude. A most disgusting state of affairs, considering that we are

[Page 94]
supposed to back up the infantry in the trenches, and hundreds of lives depending upon our shooting. I say that these N.C.O.s should be punished to the utmost limit of the law.
17/9/1915
Cold windy morning, three new men arrived last night. Old Battery drivers, they have to parade before the Major at 10 A.M. I suppose they will be sent back. They are Dr Bradley, Heyden, McLaughlan, Another man Dr Hellyer returned from hospital. The Imperial authorities are trying their utmost to keep us here at Cape Helles. It was rumoured that we go and join our brigade. We are now the 2nd Division or attached to it, the 1st is going for a six weeks spell to lemnos. The French captured a trench yesterday. Heavy Artillery fire last evening. Sgt Bradwell is working on a head stone in memory of Corporal Evans, who was killed in wagon line. He was shot through the lungs.
18/9/1915
German aeroplane over dropped one bomb. We opened fire on him , the first time since we landed on the peninsula

[Page 95]
Fired about 50 shots. Some were dangerously close, others miles off. The detail as regards our moving is out. I was at the Battery yesterday. I am detailed to remain here with 20 men. Only 12 horses to go to Anzac, and they are 1st Battery. Later orders just recieved , postponed indefinately. A despute between the heads. The Division that we are attached to, don’t want us to go, but our General wants his division to be altogether, so things are at a standstill. Those three men that left Alexandria and come over here, were made prisoners at large, with defaulters drill and fatigues work. Two hours drill and three hours fatigue work each day, by orders of the C.O. The Prince Louie, French Battleship bombarding the Asiatic coast this evening. At 8.15 P.M. a bombardment all along the line. The French is firing away like fury.
19/9/1915
Fine morning, very quiet after the bombardment last night. The 81st Regiment of French infantry, are coming in rear of our lines, building winter dugouts. Another man sent to hospital last night. From the 8th of last month till now, I have sent to hospital 10 men, that is from wagon line only
20/9/1915

[Page 96]
Cold disagreeable morning half a gale blowing. A Battle ship put a few shells on the top of Achi Baba last evening. The French are taking possession of this place gradually. It is over run with their transport. Some of the Notts most peculiar carts I ever saw. They appear to be carts for carrying wine barrels from the wine making districts. Also pagnal carts, Spring carts and drays. Their G.S. wagons would carry about 4 tons, terrible lumbersome affairs. Their harness covers almost the whole of the horse.
21/9/1915
Beautiful morning. A few shots over this morning. Battle ship shooting on Achi Baba last evening, same place as before. A bit of a bombardment on the right flank. The advance party of the 81st Reg. French is here, they come from Lemnos. They are building a bake house. Galvanised iron and stone
22/9/1915
Fine morning no wind, sun shining. Still a few shots over, high explosives. The French are working at the back of our lines. Hundreds of them. I suppose they will get blown to pieces. They seem

[Page 97]
to invite it. If the Turks do open fire on them, we will get all we want. It is very noticeable that where ever the French are working, they draw fire and scores get killed.
23/9/1915
We brought the Battery out of action last evening, brought them to wagon line, going away shortly. Vance, a Corporal, and myself, visited V beach, Seddul Bahr today. This is the French landing place. The amount of stores and building material would surprise you. Millions of pounds worth. Today is dirty and windy
24/9/1915
Still cold and windy. The battery is still in the wagon line, waiting for orders. One shot over this morning 6.30 Enemy very quiet. The winter is setting in fast. All hurry and confusion, expecting marching orders any moment. Never saw such a mess up
25/9/1915
Terrific bombardment by French and Navy on right flank last night. The enemy sent one shot over. A great amount of drink in Battery, one man put under close arrest this morning, unable to

[Page 98]
stand . At last we recieved orders to go to Anzac. No date known. Capt Heslop V.O. leaves for Alexandria today Capt Young, V.O. takes his place. The weather is cool. Guns still in wagon line, hung up properly. The 3rd Battery come out of action last night
26/9/1915
Shells flying about, otherwise quiet, nothing doing in our Battery, still waiting for marching orders. Our new Sgt Major arrived last night. (Barron). A 6in Bty going to open fire on a Turkish Battery at 3 P.M. Our Major 3rd Battery and company are going to hill 200 to observe the fire Today is fine no wind.
27/9/1915
My first visit to the firing line this afternoon. Some gastly sights up there, Dead men lying about everywhere, you dare not go out to bury them. One man in particular I noticed, belonging to some Scotch regiment lying dead, face downwards, full kit up even to his iron ration bag. In another part of the line, men lying in extended order about 50 of them, all dead. Midway between ours and the Turkish trenches. Whilst in the trenches, we (Lieut Selmes Sgt Major Barron and myself) heard

[Page 99]
of the success in France. A 7 P.M. tonight a cheer was given, and a round fired from every gun on the peninsula. Never heard such a noise. Again it is quiet
28/9/1915
Rather a warm day. A few shells over from Asiatic side this morning. As far as I can find out no damage done. The Battery is still here. The camp routine is simply awful, drill all day. The demonstration last night, cost us the life of one Corporal head Quarter Staff (Aubrey). Also one horse killed and two wounded in 1st Battery Corp Aubrey was hit in 3 places with rifle bullets
29/9/1915
Head Quarters G.S. wagon knocked to pieces this morning, a direct hit from the Asiatic side, a 6in shell. 15 Turks surrendered on the 27inst. A few shells over this morning from Asia. The weather a bit warm today
30/9/1915
Marching orders recieved yesterday. Battery proceeds to Anzac. Wagon line embark in two days time for Embross, and then pick up more horses. Our boat is supposed to be the Prince Japan. The Battery moved

[Page 100]
out from here at 4 P.M. They got a good sent off, the guns from the Asiatic side opened fire on them. A few narrow escapes but no one injured. One shell fell about 40 feet from the pier.
1/10/1915
A terrific fog this morning, the first I have seen here. The Battery is just about broken up. 2 Sgts and nine men join a Howitzer Battery. Also 2 officers. I have 19 men with me in wagon line to look after 36 horses. We move on Saturday the 2nd inst, enroute for Alexandria. The 1st and 3rd Batteries moved out today, Friday. The Asiatic guns are giving them a send off similar to ours. What is left of our wagon line, remain here until further notice. It is a grand thing to hear of the successes the French are gaining. The French guns 9.2 are answering the Asiatic guns, quite a duel. We are now attached to the 42 Artillery Head Quarters for discipline. Yesterday, when our Major (Rabbett) left the wagon line, the first man he bid good bye to was me. He shook hands and wished me all sorts of good luck. I was never more surprised in all my life, he shook hands with all the men left in the wagon line. He is without

[Page 101]
doubt an officer and a gentleman. Although a lot here gives him a bad name
2/10/1915
A terrific bombardment last night, on the right flank, held by the French, in fact a fair amount of shooting all day. Hostile aeroplane over this evening, just scouting about. A new hospital in position, and nine tents erected during the night. He just flew over it and made off. Two shots followed him. The Howitzer party left this morning at 6.45 enroute for Alexandria. The Battery is now in four pieces. We are now waiting for transport, things are at a standstill everything postponed. Today the Vet Officers horse is attached to the 2nd Battery. A note today from the provost Marshal, complaining of the state of the camp, rather sudden considering that the vehicles had hardly left. Heavy shooting by the Navy this evening over Krithia Village
3/10/1915
Sunday nothing doing. Not a shot fired so far today. A large number of troops arriving. We are still waiting for orders to move. We have everything packed up ready

[Page 102]
to move. I hear we will get 2 hours notice. The 29th Division is back here again. The French 9.2 guns have just opened fire on the Asiatic coast, 4 oclock P.M. A most terrible bombardment this evening at 5.30. it lasted half an hour. Some beautiful shooting on the Turkish trenches. They replied fiercely, shells flying all over the place. We even had a rifle bullet fall near our cook house, the first I have noticed in this wagon line. The Navy also opened fire. Our horse exercise tonight was carried out bare back. The new hospital that I mentioned before got christened this afternoon, shells all over it. Last night 9 more E.P. tents were erected. They have a lot of stores on the beach, even mangles. The weather is again warm, but, thank goodness no wind. I see on a notice board on W beach that Sgt Short lost his purse containing £7.0.0, Blood stone & Ect on board the Prince Lenise. That is the boat the Battery went to Anzac on. We have in this Battery some of the biggest wasters it is possible to get together. For example, a few of the men that has been crimed in the wagon line only. One man went sick, would not go to the doctor, made him a

[Page 103]
prisoner, result 7 days C.B. The same man hitting a horse on the head with a sapling, 10 days C.B. Another man late on early morning parade 3 days C.B. Late the following morning 7 days C.B. The next morning late again 3 days C.B. that settled him. He was a 6th reinforcement Another man drunk on duty 28 days 2nd field punishment, awarded by C.O. Another man illtreating a horse 7 days C.B. Another absent from his post on guard 7 days C.B. Another man absent and asleep on piquet, remanded for O.C. Alexandria. Another insolence to a N.C.O. 3 days C.B. Another man 14 days C.B. refusing duty. Still another 7 day C.B. disobedience. Some of them are worth about 2/- per day. Things are getting stirred up now 15 men to look after 37 horses. A little extra work wont hurt them
4/10/1915
Monday, this would be eight hours day in Sydney. Another man made a prisoner refusing to obey an order, under the impression he can run the show. Things exceptionaly quiet this morning, a few isolated shots over now and then, nothing to do

[Page 104]
any damage. Just recieved a special order, to be read to all troops on the peninsula
Special order of the day
General Headquarters
2nd October 1915
The following gracious message, from his Majesty the King was recieved yesterday by the Commander in Chief, and is published for information.
While the army under your command is for the time being less strenuously engaged than heretofore, I wish to express my appreation of the manner in which it has fought under almost insuperable difficulties. The gallant deeds of the Australians and New Zealanders troops have been recieved through the empire with greatful admiration. I trust the health of the troops is satisfactory. Be assured that my thoughts are ever with you and them.
The Commander-in-Chief has sent the following reply to his Majesty the King
Buckingham Palace England
Your Majestys gracious message, unaccountably delayed in transit, just recieved. Regret I cannot render very

[Page 105]
satisfactory account of health of troops, though it shows slight tendency to improve. But their spirit is unquenchable. I shall at once take steps to make known to the troops your Majestys appreciation which shall be read by all ranks with pride and gratification and will stimulate them to still further efforts in your service
Ian Hamilton
E.M. Woodward
Brigadier General
Deputy Adjutant General M.E.F.

A terrific bombardment from the Asiatic side 6in shells buzzing about. One shell in particular bounced over 3rd Btys lines. A guard is mounted over it at present, waiting for the Naval authorities to destroy it.
A Naval pennice was towing a barge when Asia opened fire on her. They put one shot into the River Clyde. It was hot and sweet while it lasted I thought we were done for. Had an augment with Vet Officer Capt Young, sent a Head Quarters horse over to be shod, feet in a terrible state, also bad with corns, contracted heels, sent over

[Page 106]
for him to show him the foot. Oh he said shoe him with three quarter shoes. Asked him what his idea was, he said to take off pressure. I said don’t you think that there is another way to do it, he said no, well I said I do, with that I explained my way. I also said it is a nice thing sending horses over here for me to correct other peoples mistakes. He nearly went mad. It was the 1st Bty that shod him last, and that is the Battery he holds up as a model. However I done him my way. He knows as much about shoeing as a pig does about a side pocket. I did not forget to tell him that I have been shoeing these horses twelve months, and never had a horse pricked. When a man will tell you to lower the heels, and cut the foot down, and it will not matter if you draw the blood, well all I can say is that he is a real waster. The farrier of 3rd Bty, Bill Quelch cant get on with him at all, and to make matters worse he is camped at 3rd Btys wagon line
5/10/1915
Today is a beautiful day. Without doubt we are having lovely weather. A bit of shooting from Achi Baba this morning, 10.30 A.M. Some very close calls I can

[Page 107]
assure you. Saw a shell land in between two mule carts, and a horseman on one side, I think the horseman got hit, because he galloped back to camp. Another one just missed about 20 cyclists. The shells were small, somewhere about 13 lbs. had a man for office this morning, Refusing to obey an order, and silent contempt. He was awarded 14 days C.B. and 14 days pay stopped. We are still waiting for orders to move. An aeroplane duel this morning, one of our planes, and a hostile one, a sight worth seeing, our man used his machine guns, a large number of shots were exchanged. The enemy opened fire with their anti aircraft guns, it was an exciting time, we were held in suspence. Eventually our man drove him off. No official report to hand yet. I might say that we have a fleet of 200 aeroplanes at Embros.
As out Battery has left Cape Helles, and not likely to come back, it is just as well to note the number of shells fired, it was roughly 6,500 round. That is a bit diffrent to “A" Battery in South Africa
6/10/1915
Plenty of shells over again today

[Page 108]
They appear to be Howitzers. German aeroplane over this morning. We fired 20 shots at them, some close, others miles away. The Royal Naval Division are going to the trenches now. The enemy landed a shot or two into hospital tents. The new hospital started a day or so ago has grown to 31 tents
7/10/1915
Fine weather still prevails, flies still troublesome. Shells over in our lines this morning, in fact it was a small bombardment. Another aerial duel this morning at 11.30, not so exciting as the last one. You cannot find out the result, you hear a machine gun rattle and see the aeroplanes circle around one another, and then you see some shells bursting about them, eventually they disperse, one going one way and one another. It is marvelous the little damage that is done by their shooting. With all of their shooting today, I don’t suppose they wounded a single man although I saw a shot land in the middle of a crowd of men, one or two got knocked over, but they got up laughing. Reinforcements for R.H.A. and R.F.A arrived this morning from Mudros

[Page 109]
They were in France.
Another driver sent to hospital today, that leaves me with 14 drivers to attend to 37 horses. Things are livelier today than usual. Water carts, G.S. wagons, Motor Bikes, Motor Ambulances. Men on horses, Generals and their staff with orderlies. Fatigue parties. Reinforcements. Parties watering order. Indians with mules, Indians with flocks of sheep. Every body seems to be busy. The firing line is the quitest place today
8/10/1915
The Naval Division (Howe Batt) got peppered this morning, and wonderful to say no one injured. They have only been in this position a week or two. They are about 150 yards in front of us. The new hospital they are forming, is the one from Lemnos. I hear they are dying wholesale there, from the effects of dysentery even the nursing sisters are suffering from it
9/10/1915
A terrible night, terrific thunderstorm which lasted most of the night. Wind blowing a gale. Most of the men got wet through. I was fairly lucky

[Page 110]
The rain blew in a little. This morning is fine and clear, by all appearances it is going to be a fine day. A few large time shrapnel over at the back of our lines this morning. Another man went sick yesterday, Jaundice, (Bdr Fitzpatrick). That leaves the Saddler Sgt, an Acting Bdr and myself to run the show. Rumours of a stunt tomorrow, hundreds of infantry arriving. The Turks are putting over a fair quantity of shells today. Our aeroplanes very busy. Last night a battle ship shooting on Achi Baba, put in some beautiful shots, 10in I presume. From our wagon line you could see the dust getting stirred up by pieces of the shells. After the Navy fired a shot, the field Btys opened fire with time shrapnel. The damage must have been extensive. The V.O. and Lieut Shepperd had a narrow escape, about 10 A.M. a shot fired by the enemy fell about 2 feet from them. You could see nothing but a cloud of dust, dirt and smoke. Luckly no one was hurt, not even hit with a piece of dirt, it was a percussion shell
10/10/1915
Dry morning, a little foggy. The new

[Page 111]
air ship, “Silver Queen" flying along the coast. Her rate of speed is between 30 and 40 miles an hour. This is the first time I have seen her. She is employed looking for submarines, she has already sighted two but her bombs are a failure, they burst as soon as they toutch the water. The Turks are using a lot of ammunition this last day or two. This morning they are throwing them about. The French got busy and let fly some 9.2 shells at 10 A.M. I was watching them burst. An awful explosion smoke and dirt hurled into the air a hundred feet high. The Sgt Major of the R.N.D. R.E. Head Quarters is making a wooden cross and erecting it over the grave of Corp Aubrey of our Head Quarters. We had no time to do it, as the Battery was going to Anzac
11/10/1915
German aeroplane over 8.30 A.M. flying very low, our guns opened fire on him. Very hard target. Three of our men that were wounded, arrived here last night at 9.30 left again for Anzac at 10 A.M. Today is dull with indications of more rain. Still no signs of our leaving the peninsula.

[Page 112]
if something is not done shortly we will have no men to move our horses. Two horses with colic last night. Oh what a lovely Vetry officer we have he prescribed or tried to, and then asked me what I had, I told him Nitrous Ether, Aromatic Spts Amonia. He said 2 oz of each in a pint of water, and then he went on to say, give also one ball Ammon Carb and one Aloetic ball, and to cap all a gut full of water. I got the drench ready after a lot of sniffing and smelling by the Vet officer I started to give it, he then took the drenching horn out of my hand, and was showing me how to give it. The result was something to remember, he poured the lot over me, He then handed back the horn and walked away. The more I see of him the less I think about him.
The Turks seem to have plenty of ammunition they are pumping it in this morning. German aeroplane over again, getting very daring. Without doubt the Turks are a brave lot, they are giving us about as much as we want.
The Asiatic guns are blazing away just now 11 A.M. Trying to find the French 9.2 guns at the back of our lines

[Page 113]
I often expected them to wipe us out. We seem to be lucky, we get shells all around us. Either too far, too short, or to the right or left. Just a little strip where our horse lines are they miss. Another thunderstorm this afternoon, turned very cold. After the rain stopped it got hot again. It is now a beautiful bright night with a new moon. A little excitement this evening between an Indian and a driver R.H.A. This driver went to the 15 Indian mule corps water trough to water his horses naturally the sentry, who was an Indian went to stop him. The sentry went to hunt away the horses, and the result was they started to fight. The R.H.A. man hit the nigger in the mouth, the Indian picked up a large stone to hurl at the driver. Some of our men arrived on the scene and put a stop to it. The Indians were greatly excited, they reported the case to their officers, who told them if it occurred again to stick them with the baynot. The water supply in this well is to water 1500 mules. The R.H.A. has a well allotted to them
12/10/1915

[Page 114]
Fine dry morning, plenty of shells flying about. High Explosive time shrapnel over this morning at 10 oclock the first for two months, rather too high to do much damage. Some burst fair over lines. If they were 100 yards shorter, we would have got it in fine style
13/10/1915
Rained again last night. Very cold and windy. A few shells over this morning one 4.7 time shrapnel. The new hospital recieved orders from the enemy to move. They say it is covering our landing place for troops and ammunition. I don’t know if our people will move it. This order was dropped from a Turkish aeroplane. We heard yesterday that the Batteries are at Anzac. A Corp of 3rd Bty is going there this morning. No information about our going away. Thousands of reinforcements are arriving here each night. The most sudden attack by our people to night at 7.15 I ever heard. A light appeared on the left flank, a rocket went up, and as it did so, every Battery fired one round gun fire, after that the rifles got to work, it lasted half an hour

[Page 115]
Then the Turks started shooting everywhere, they sure seemed to get excited, and burst their shells high in the air. This afternoon some H.E. over, killed one man and wounded three. Some Scottish Reg they belong to
14/10/1915
Not so cold this morning. The same old game (shelling). A bugle band in the French camp playing like fury, getting shelled all the time. It has now turned cold 10.50 A.M. The changes here are very sudden. Wind blowing half a gale. Another man gone to hospital, to make matters worse he is our cook. Out of the original number, 2I I have 17. or, only 13 duty men. The French Artillery is doing a lot of shooting this morning.
15/10/1915
Captain McLaughlan here last night, came over from Anzac to pay the H.Q. Staff men. He said things are hot over there, one of our Sgts, Short got a leg blown off, also an arm injured. This report is not correct I saw him later on 14/12/1915 he had seven wounds, he is again well and on duty. A shell fell in our dressing station killed two men. The shelling here

[Page 116]
this morning is something awful, the Asiatic guns, One in particular, a high velosity got to work and done a lot of damage, one shell in particular, on a new target, men and clothing blown to pieces. I was about 600 yards off, and could see it quite plain. Today the Navy is doing a lot of shooting over on the Asiatic coast. A howitzer Battery put in 50 shots in half an hour this morning 60 lbs. Our Batteries, that is the British opened fire this morning and kept going a couple of hours. The weather today is windy and dusty, but not cold. 2 P.M. The enemy at it again, shells coming over galore. These are the dangerous days too much wind, you cant hear the shells coming, before you know where they are they get you. George Rose playing the fool again got drunk here before the Battery left for Anzac, and went for a ride, fell off horse, carried to our H.Q. by a couple of imperial men, of course the C.O. was there put him under arrest. He was Bty S.M. Now he is a Corporal
16/10/1915
Fine morning, Saturday, the wind has stopped altogether. Flie very bad, cold weather don’t effect them. A few

[Page 117]
shells over this morning. Had some nasty time shrapnel 4.7 over last evening about 5 oclock, a large piece of shell fell on Farrier s Quelch dugout. The fight between an Indian, and a driver of R.H.A. battery as mentioned before, is creating a disturbance, I had to go to Y Battery wagon line and identify the man. However he turned out to be the wrong man. The guilty man is in B Battery R.H.A. We have here, landed last Tuesday the Ayrshire Yeomanry turned into infantry. They go to the trenches on Sunday. At 10.45 A.M. some beautiful time shrapnel over
17/10/1915
More rain last night with indications of some more today. A little wintry with plenty of wind today. A lot of reinforcements going to the trenches now. The usual performance plenty of shells flying about, otherwise things very quiet
18/10/1915
Rained last night rather heavy. We had a night out last night. Brought up two Btys A. B. 56 brigade. Finished at 4 A.M. Terrible lot of shelling going on today. Some very large shells coming from

[Page 118]
Achi Baba, fell almost in 17th B.A.C. 16,000 men landed on the peninsula last week. Had to go again to Y battery wagon line, to give evidence pending a court martial. I brought men to prove he was the wrong man. To make matters worse this man only joined the Battery the day before the asault was commited. He carries two good conduct badges. He was greatly excited. The collecting of evidence was ordered by the Divisional Commander.
Heard this morning that General Ian Hamilton has left here, and Smith Dorrien takes his place.
Another man sent to hospital today suffering from Jaundice, that leaves me with 12 men for 37 horses, and to make matters worse, I had to send three men to 6th battery wagon line to help groom their horses, 90 minutes was the time alloted. The 6th has 6 horses to 1 man. The navy in action put about 60 shots in a nulla on Achi Baba. They are now putting in some H.E. They make a terrific report, you can feel the ground shake. They stopped for a few minutes

[Page 119]
and the Turks put some 4.7 time shrapnel over. They are coming over thick and heavy, a bit of a bombardment. The weather is cool and cloudy
19/10/1915
50 Turks captured by French last night by all accounts they are in a terrible state, ¼ rations, cholera, Dysentery and Typhoid raging amongst them. About 100 Artillery reinforcements went through our camp this morning. All night the Artillery and infantry were firing, with an occasional shot from a monotor. Blowing a gale
20/10/1915
More rain this morning, windy and cold. A sharp attack at 10 5.30 A.M. a great deal of rifle fire, dozens of shells coming over at the back of our lines. Another hundred yards or so of a switch and they will be on to us. At 5 A.M. a private in the French army was shot, trying to kill his Sgt. One man killed and 3 wounded by a high explosive shell, these men belong to some infantry Regiment going to the trenches. The 2nd City of London Royal Fusiliers has landed here,

[Page 120]
21/10/1915
Another night out last night. A and B Batteries 56th Brigade taken up into action, their position is a forward one in Achi Baba nulla. It was a grand moonlight night. As luck would have it the enemy was fairly quiet. A lot of Artillery fire on right flank, a sort of Artillery duel. The Turks peppering the French and the French peppering the Turks. A few shots over our way this morning. A shell landed in amongst those Batteries we moved yesterday, killing 3 mules and knocked down a telephone post. A most noticeable thing here is the migration of birds from the 21st to the 25th of this month it is most pronounced. Terrific rifle fire all along the line. Enemy aeroplane over, dropped one bomb, infantry firing volleys at him, he got away quick and lively, this happened at 10 A.M. Thursday. This aeroplane was brought down later in the day, by the French. A section of trench was captured by the H.L.I. without opposition
22/10/1915
Yesterday was the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalga. Rumour had it

[Page 121]
that a battle was going to take place on that day. Hardly likely, considering that we beat the French there. Last night was the roughest we put in here. Blowing a gale all night. It is now raining, very steady. Wind still blowing. Weather very cold.
23/10/1915
Rained all night and still raining this morning, Almost freezing. 7 A.M. Very uncomfortable, mud sticking to your boots. In places you slip yards. The enemy quiet no shells coming over. The French Artillery firing a great deal all night. Our horse lines in a filthy state a real quagmire, it will be cruel if we have to put in the winter here. A few 4.7 shrapnel over. An Artillery duel on the right flank. A Bdr and 2 men reported to wagon line yesterday 22nd inst for duty. One man Bennett been away three months. The Bdr (Fitzpatrick) away 2 weeks Jaundice. The other man Jackson was wounded.
A few high explosives along the coast this afternoon at 4.30. Plenty of rifle fire, tonight with a few Artillery shots. Rather a peculiar way they have of working the Artillery. They

[Page 122]
fire about 12 shots in as many seconds, and then stop for some time
24/10/1915
Artillery fire practically all night, very pronounced at 5.30 A.M. Wintry conditions still prevails, with isolated showers. The wind is still blowing.
Had to report at B Battery wagon line today. Evidence for a court martial. The same case as before, a man striking an Indian sentry.
25/10/1915
Nice fine morning, no rain, no wind and, above all no shells as yet, although there is plenty of time yet, as it is only 7 A.M. The Indians here are suffering. Scurvy has broken out amongst them. The Sgt Major has to go over to Embros Island once a week and buy vegetables for them. Their meat allowence is 2 oz per day. The cold is playing havoc with them. Some beautiful shots over this morning. Pieces flying about our lines. Saw a lot of jackets and pants go up into the air, several men killed. Today is a beautiful fine day
26/10/1915
More rain this morning, cloudy. Very mild. Attend at the R.H.A. Brigade

[Page 123]
Office 9 A.M. more evidence about the driver striking the Indian sentry Court martial. Getting a nuisance. Very quiet so far this morning, no shelling. Still another rumour that we move from here in seven or eight days. Some nasty shells over 10 A.M. again pieces were flying over our horse lines. A lucky thing that most of them did not burst. A warship put 2 shots into the Turkish communication trench must have been a 14in, and then the field Btys opened out on them They started to run. The same ship put in 5 more shells into the Turkish trenches. This happened at 8 P.M.
27/10/1915
Very mild morning, cloudy, flies simply awful. The French firing salvos at regular intervals during the night. The enemy very quiet. A Battleship firing on the Asiatic coast. Had to parade at R.H.A. Head Quarters, re Court Martial to identify the Indian sentry. The Officer with the Indians had a most peculiar beard the colour of a door mat, a rusty colour. The Naval Division down from the trenches

[Page 124]
28/10/1915
A quite morning, fine weather again, inclined to be warm. Flies terrible. Nothing doing in the trenches. The Saddler, a Bdr and myself bought some potatoes and tomatoes from the S.M. Indian Mule Corps. He has to go over to Tenedos every week for vegetables for the Indians. The authorities had to cut out their meat not on account of the price, although it is high £4 for an Indian sheep but on account of disease. The French wagon line alongside of ours moved yesterday to a position further forward. It took them all day to do it. The Vet officer and Farrier of the 6th Battery are at logger heads. Had a real good row. The Vet threatened to get him reduced. All started over shoeing. The 13th Battery R.F.A. getting hell shelled out of them, one wagon blown to pieces. One shot over tonight from Asia at 7 P.M.
29/10/1915
Two 4.7 time shrapnels over 7 A.M. Dull morning, mild, Our

[Page 125]
Officer sick, Jaundice. The shot that was fired last night, went over into the water. A trawler sunk last night loaded with troops, 2 officers and 43 53 men missing. Dr Jones R.H.A. Court Martialed to day acquitted. He was not the man. The court consisted of a Major (Staff) Captain, Adjutant and one Lieutenant and a Sgt Major of the Indian Mule Corp.
30/10/1915
Nothing doing this morning, the quitest morning for a long time. No news of any description. A few aeroplanes up yesterday observing for the French 9.2 guns. Lieut Shepperd O.C. Details were away sick Jaundice. Vet Officer taking his place. Starting early I can assure you. Inspection of horse lines once a week, exercise 4 wagon line horses together every night for an hour. A few shells over this evening, fell amongst a transport corps at rear of 3rd Bty lines, no damage done
31/10/1915
The weather is hot again, flies simply awful, never in all my life saw any thing to equal them. It is not so dreary here now, there

[Page 126]
are few bands about, The City of London has a brass band and another corps has drum and fife, it livens things up a little. I expected that we would be in Alexandria by now, but I think they have forgotten all about us. A few promotions acting ranks are out. Far Sgt Quelch to be acting Far Major promoted by the Vet. No such rank in the Artillery. Capt Thompson to be Major of the 2nd Bty, Major Rabbett to be O.C. Howitzer Bty, Capt Callaghan and Lieut Selmes all 2nd Bty to go with him.
1/11/1915
A light shower last night, and then a gale, very rough night. A bit colder than usual this morning. The Asiatic guns were peppering one of our submarines going along the coast. They fired about 100 shots at it and a destroyer, some shots close but no hits. A few shells on the beach, hit a mule and it went sky high. The 6th Bty wagon line moved over near our lines. Terrific row between Vet and Farrier Sgt. The Farrier reported him to H.Q. and his O.C. It is almost impossible

[Page 127]
for him to carry on. 5 men and 46 horses. The Vet officer expected him to move the wagon line and shoe horses at the same time. Some beautiful screeching shells over, luckly most of them did not burst, the few that did burst scattered pieces all over our lines, they come with a terrific force.
2/11/1915
Nice fine morning. Reported that Sgt Short not so badly wounded as before stated, his leg and arm is not off, Although his wounds are bad. Some 13 lb shells in our lines this morning, one about 15 yards off me, I was shoeing a horse, a wicked brute had to use a rope on him. Four or five aeroplanes doging about this morning
3/11/1915
Very quiet morning. We gained a new firing line yesterday 30 yds from our old one. One company of Senegales lost 20 men killed and wounded. The 1st Indian Mule Corps has suffered heavily as regards its mules 200 casualties in six months. Enemy aeroplane over

[Page 128]
this morning 10 oclock, our aeroplane after him. An aeroplane duel this morning. Firing at one another with machine guns
4/11/1915
Artillery active this morning all along the line, A big stunt coming off shortly. Just heard that the King of Bulgaria has been assinated and 40,000 Bulgarians joined the Russian army. Rained again, just enough to make it slippery. Another man gone to hospital, leaving 13 men for 37 horses. No sign of our moving, no reports whatever
5/11/1915
This morning an emeny aeroplane over a number of shells fired at him, also three machine guns shooting at him. He got away. The Navy was bombarding from 3 to 5 A.M. also at 11 A.M. The 29 Division is supposed to go away on Sunday
6/11/1915
Getting a lively time, 8.15 A.M. Shells falling all over the camp, just missing our horse lines. An English transport lines getting hell. Our aeroplanes busy. Mostly all the French troops are gone away. Five aeroplanes over at 4 P.M. Some raid on
7/11/1915

[Page 129]
Artillery fire all night, section fire and salvos, This morning is foggy and cold. A few shells over today. A nasty accident happened at the base this morning. A despatch rider on a motor bike, run into a G.S. wagon, There were four mules drawing this wagon, and the motor rider hit the lead riding mule. The driver fell, his foot caught in the stirrup, the mule was kicking at him all the time, and to make matters worse, the leaders swerved, and the wagon run over the driver. First aid was rendered, but I think his case is hopeless. So you see it is not only shells we have to contend with. The Navy has just opened fire on Achi Baba 2 P.M. exactly. It lasted till 3 o’clock hundreds of shots put in
8/11/1915
Last night was a terrific night. Shooting all night. Rifle fire at 4 P.M. was very pronounced. At exercise last evening some shells dangerously close to the ride. They were flying all over the country. Inspection of horses, horse lines and camp generally this morning by the O.C. Details. Vet officer Capt Young orders to clip all of our horses. It is being carried out

[Page 130]
4 or 5 shells in our lines 10 oclock dangerously near my dugout, one in front, another behind 13 lbs percussion
9/11/1915
The Asiatic guns playing on us this morning some beautiful 6 in shells with two driving bands coming over. Our Artillery very active. Rifle fire fierce at 8 P.M. yesterday. Our Saddler Sgt gone over to Tenedos today to buy some luxuries
10/11/1915
Rained like fury last night. Dull and foggy this morning, rained stopped. Thousands of regulars, Scottish arrived Just come from France, they were in the retreat from Mons. They say that they are here for garrison duty. Heard that Lord Kitchener is going to visit us. He wants to shift things along a bit faster. Our Vet Officer is getting unbearable. He actually wants horses groomed and exercised similar to race horses. At present we exercise for an hour at night, he wants it extended to 1 ½ hours per night. He also wants a shoeing list kept, and he will examine it every Monday morning. At present he is mad on clipping

[Page 131]
Our Saddler Sgt back from Tenedos. Talk about things being dear. Butter 5/6 per lb Tin Fruit 2/- oranges not so dear 5/- per 100 Apples the same, Mandarines 3/6 per 100. Two horses happened with accidents one run into some barb wire, he cut his chest in 3 places not deep, also cut his nose, wound about 4in long, called the Vet out, his remarks were Oh not much, dont want a stitch. I told him it was longer than it looked, he said put one stitch in it. He expected me to do it. However the needle and silk was on the job, and for shame sake he done it himself. I have seen a few Vets in my time but I never saw such an exhibition as this one gave simply awful. The other horse cut a facial artery and lost about a quart of blood, before it was discovered, I stopped the bleeding and the Vet had a look at it, same remarks passed as before, it is all right. A Monotor and destroyer shelling the hill this afternoon, A terrific cloud of dust and smoke. 45 yards of trench captured last night on the left. Colonel Christian Major Rabett made a companion of the

[Page 132]
of the Bath. Called out at 11.30 P.M. to attend to a horse, pulled down a tree and almost strangled itself, the same horse that injured itself earlier in the night. The Navy was bombarding the hill for an hour 11-12 some beautiful bursts
11/11/1915
A very rough night, wind and rain 7.30 A.M. the wind is still blowing, but it is not cold. Rain stopped, indications of more. At 10 A.M. shooting from the Asiatic side, something out of the common 6 in time shrapnel. Had an excellent tea tonight. Roast beef and potatoes and cauliflower and fruit to top up with
12/11/1915
More rain last night and this morning. A few shots in front of our lines. The Asiatic guns at work. Our Artillery very active. Vet Officer just put a man under close arrest Dr Dawes, insubordination. Kitchener is reported to be here 10 reinforcements arrived for the 6th Bty last evening. Before they arrived, the drivers had to look after 8 horses per man. It will not only make it easier for the 6th, but us also I had to supply 3 men every morning to groom 12 horses

[Page 133]
13/12/1915
Artillery fire on and off all night Lord Kitchener is here. Staff officers running mad, armed guards and bands dodging about. He landed at W beach. The following is a message from him. This message to be read to all troops on the peninsula 12/12/1915

8 Army Corps order (Special)
Lord Kitchener informs the Corps commander today, that he has been charged with a special message from His Majesty the King to the troops of the 8th Army Corps.
His Majesty wishes it to be known how fully cognisant he is of the gallant conduct of the troops as shown by their magnificent behaviour in the face of the enemy, and by their fortitude with which they have withstood the hardships, inseperable from such a campaign.
Lord Kitchener further desires the Corps Commander to intimate to the troops how greatly pleased he was with all he saw at Capes Helles. He particularly wishes the men to understand that they are fully

[Page 134]
pulling their weight in the great struggle, and that although progress has been slow, their gallantry in forcing a landing on the peninsula and their tenacity in retaining a hold on this portion of the Turkish dominion, has paralized the offensive action of the Turkish Army and has materially affected this campaign in the near east

Brigadier General Street
G.S. 8th Army Corps

14/11/1915
Weather dull. Sunday. Like more rain. 12.30 P.M. Shells coming over, High explosives, we were getting hell for half an hour. Never saw such luck, one shell fell about 2 yards from a string of horses, another went over our lines just missing our horses and burst in the road. About 12 or 15 shells over altogether, all percussion. Then they started some time shrapnel, and wonderful to relate, as far as our lines are concerned, no one hurt. The Asiatic guns are having a rap at us. The French 9.2 are answering them shot for shot. The 1st Battery had a couple of 4.7 in their horse

[Page 135]
lines today scattering their horses Dr Bourne awarded 7 days C.B. on the 3rd of this month by the Vet Officer, for insolence to me. He questioned the officers punishment and wished to be paraded to the next in command. He was refused and consequently he wrote a letter to the Provost Martial complaining of his treatment. In due time the O.C. Details received a note asking him to explain. I can assure you he did explain. We are now awaiting further developments
15/11/1915
Started to rain at 4.30 A.M. stopped at 7.30 A.M. Very sloppy underfoot. The French 9.2 are putting a few shots over on the Asiatic shore. A warship is also putting a few over. The Saddler Sgt and a man going over to Tenedos to buy some fruit and vegetables. A few shells over this morning. Inspection of horse lines and shoeing by Vet Officer at 10.30 A.M. He was pleased with the condition of horses and lines. This is the first time he was ever so. Our mail in today recieved two papers, still no

[Page 136]
letters. A terrific bombardment started at 2.45 P.M, it is now 6 P.M. and is still on. The Navy started at a quarter to three with 9 or 10 shots and then the Field Artillery opened up with time shrapnel. Today is windy and wet. In our wagon line you can hardly hear the report of the guns. One good thing about the wind , it is in our favour, and the rain has settled the dust. It is now almost dark, the bombardment is still on. I was watching it just now from a hill, shells bursting all along the line. During the afternoon the French 9.2 were at it, firing over on the Asiatic coast the Turks answered it, a few 6in shells in our lines, dangerously close, one just skipped over our horse lines and burst with a terrific noise
16/11/1915
8.30 Terrific thunderstorm, lightning very vivid. A fierce attack was on during the storm, rifle fire very strong. The R.N.D. captured 25 yards of communication trench yesterday. The Scottish were to advance and try to capture a trench. Today is cloudy, inclined to be cool. Our lines were visited by Capt Stewart

[Page 137]
V.O in charge of Base Hospital. Some very sarcastic remarks passed by Capt Young, about horses turned out as cured from Vet hospital. Capt Stewart picked him up instantly, and told him that a certain horse should have a bullet in him, If he could not do it, to send it down to the hospital, and he would damn soon do it.
Just heard that the result of the bombardment was good. We captured a trench with scarsely any opposition, simply walked into it. We actually massacred the Turks. Further reports say we captured two trenches, Our casualties were one killed and one wounded.
17/11/1915
Counter attacks last night by the Turks 7 in all. Our Artillery firing from 9 P.M. till 11 P.M. very rapid.
The weather today is cold and miserable. The Turks were repulsed each time with heavy losses. Our bomb makers are working overtime. We are rushing every available bomb thrower up to the trenches, a lot of infantry are also being sent up. A peculiar thing all these moves happened just after Kitcheners visit. He must have livened

[Page 138]
things up. The Asiatic guns opened fire last night, also a Battery behind Krithia village
18/11/1915
A most terrific thunderstorm last night, rain come down in torrents. Our horse lines just like a river, 3rd Bty, water up to horses bellys. 1st Bty the same. Mens dugouts filled with water. 3rd Bty making preparations to move their horse lines. Today is fine, the sun is shining. Our Saddler Sgt flooded out. My place stood it well, a little rain did come in the back, but that was nothing. I never experienced a night so rough in all my life. Wind rain thunder and lightning. A terrible mess down at the beach. Barges turned turtle, small rowing boats washed ashore, piers swept away, in fact everything high and dry. Hundreds of blankets out drying this morning. During the storm an attack was on. It was bitterly cold. A German aeroplane over this morning. Machine gun opened fire on him. I don’t know if it done any damage, he landed rather sudden in his own lines. We noticed a trail of black smoke coming from his Machine

[Page 139]
19/11/1915
Cold morning. Turned out a fine day. Country drying up fast. A terrible lot of shelling going on. Some heavy shells going over opposite our lines, real coal boxes. Vet Officer up on end this morning cant speak to him. Had about ½ Dozen men paraded to him about diffrent things
20/11/1915
Cold and windy. A few shells over. At 5.30 A.M. a terrible lot of rifle fire, followed by the Artillery. Vet officers horse lame. No sign of our moving. During the wet weather and bombardment, between 50 and 60 Turks surrended. Corp Kaglan and a Bdr went to hospital yesterday. Fever
21/11/1915
Bitterly cold. Strong wind blowing. Every indications of more rain. A few shots over this morning 4.7 time shrapnel. Rifle and artillery fire all night, ending at 6 A.M. We are trying a new move, harassing the enemy, by shooting all night, and also by using a lot of bombs. A new bomb is being tried, it is filled with petrol and shrapnel bullets, also an explosive. When the bomb bursts, the petrol catches alight, and burns anything it comes in contact with. The particular

[Page 140]
purpose for which this bomb is used for is, the destruction of sand bags used in the construction of parapets. The Sgt major and Q.M. of D Bty 66 Brigade up for Court Martial. Drunk on duty. They are to be tried tomorrow 22inst
22/11/1915
A terrific attack and bombardment by the enemy last night, beginning at 5 oclock. They must have sent over 2,000 shells, it lasted all night. The Eskie lines of trenches are as level as a billiard table, all the parapets blown down. Terrible slaughter amongst our men, legs and arms strewn about all over the place. We held our own. The Turks charged, they were driven back with fearful losses, we gained 3 more trenches. It was a terrible night. Bitterly cold, wind blowing a gale, and light rain. Even now at 4.20 P.M. the Artillery are blazing away. This is the fiercest fighting since June the 4th. All this happened on our left flank, our weakest point. It was held by the Scottish Regiments
23/11/1915
Bitterly cold again. Terrific shooting last night. A fair amount of Artillery fire today.
Peninsula press No 88. 15/11/1915

[Page 141]
Our aircraft have carried out some brilliant reconnaisances, combined with bomb attacks on roads, bridges and consentrations. Besides effectively spotting the ships guns on to the targets mentioned above, they have attacked, among others the following important points. The junction at Ferijik, the railway bridge at Kuleli Burgas (repeatedly damaged by heavy bombs), Camps and marching columns in the KAVAK.KESHAN-UZUN.KEUPRU.ADRIANOPOLI area. Severe casualties have been caused by dropping 20 and 100 lbs bombs among troops in camp. On some occasions our airmen have first ascertained that camps were occupied by dropping hand grenades among the tents and then on a rush being made by the Turks to cover in adjutant gullies, they have dropped 100 lb bombs amongst them with devasting results. Last night a particularly brilliant night flight was made of 4 ½ hours duration 100 lb bombs were dropped from a height of only 400 feet on the railway bridge at KULELI.BURGAS cutting the line, and a valuable reconnaisance of Turkish camps were made, right up to

[Page 142]
Adrianopole. This flight is certainly one of the longest night opperations yet undertaken by aircraft in this war, and possibly constitutes a record
24/11/1915
Half an hours attack, from 7 till 7.30. Terrific rifle fire and bombing. Artillery fire very little. The Turks were repulsed with awful slaughter, They are hanging dead on their own barb wire entanglements. Today our Artillery are shelling their trenches at regular intervals. Their reply is feeble. The weather is mild again, although still cloudy. An alteration in horse exercise, beginning this afternoon from 3 to 4.15. Later. Exercise shelled, 4.7 percussion. Just got the ride into the lines in time. They shelled the exact spot that we were exercising on. Our luck was with us still. Not a man or horse touched.
A man from 3rd Bty sentenced to 14 days C.B. and 14 days pay. He sent in a general complaint to Head Quarters. It was settled today. the sentence hold good, his appeal was squached. This award is 2nd Field punishment.
While on horse exercise the order come for us to move 1 ½ hours notice

[Page 143]
We left camp at 7.30 P.M. We were loaded by 12 oclock midnight 161 horses With us are a portion of B.Y.4 Bty R.H.A also R.F.A with 200 horses.
25/11/1915
At 7 A.M. we moved off en route for Lemnos 8.15 everything going well on our boat the Ermine. Arrived at Lemnos 12 oclock midnight
26/11/1915
Transhiped to troop ship Roman Prince Finished at 10 P.M. Still in Lemnos harbour. 12 oclock Noon. The Redbreast along side with more horses. Moored along side the Roman Prince was the Prince Louise, on board her were Sgt Bradwell and Gurd with a few men. Lieut Selmes in charge. They had on board Howitzer guns and ammunition going to Anzac
27/11/1915
Horses now on board 610. Men 190. Food and fodder now loading 12 oclock midday. Supposed to move out at 1 P.M. Not possible a 12 lb being fitted aft, wont be ready till tomorrow. Not allowed to leave this post after 6 P.M. or before 6 A.M. The entrance closed, Torpedo nets across

[Page 144]
28/11/1915
Rough weather, bitterly cold, snowing, Loading 4,000 mens kits Scottish Horse
29/11/1915
Moving out of Lemnos Harbour 11.30 A.M. still snowing, 2 dead horses on board R.F.A. 12 cases of colic on hand, My horses in good order
30/11/1915
Weather a little milder, sea smooth 3 cases of colic on hand. Acting Far Major Quelch, Far Sgt is sick. Fell into a nice job, looking after our H.Q. 1st 2nd 3rd Bty horses and superintending the remainder
1/12/1915
Weather beautiful, sea like a mill pond, everything going well
2/12/1915
One horse B Bty dead, strangled during the night. (We travel with lights out) The R.H.A and R.F.A on this boat are mostly all wasters, never saw such a lot of numskulls, no idea of their job, carelessness, in my opinion was the cause of this horse dying. The Captain of this vessel is a very old man, been at sea 50 years. The O.C. Transport is Capt Gordon (Dorset Yeomanry). Adjutant Lieut

[Page 145]
Summons, Doctor Lieut Young and Vet Officer Capt Young
3/12/1915
Arrived at Alexandria outer Harbour at 8.15 A.M. Alongside wharf and unloaded horses and bagage by 4.15 P.M. Orders to entrain for Cairo tomorrow, beginning at 6.30 A.M. Two horses sent to V. Hospital. The usual Egyptian weather, hot in the middle of the day and cold at night
4/12/1915
Left Alexandria at 8.45 AM for Cairo, arrived there and in camp by 4.15 P.M. Suez Road, Oases, Heliopolis. Remained there untill Dec 25 Xmas day
25/12/1915
Recieved orders to entrain and move to new camp towards Suez Canal at 8.30 A.M. Left the Suez Road camp at 12.30 Arrived at Cairo and entrained by 5 P.M. Arrived at new camp Tel-el-Kebir 7.30 P.M. Finished for the night and turned into bed by 10 P.M. This camp in on the historic battle field of Tel el Kebir, the only place where a British square was broken
3/1/1916
Another part of the Battery arrived

[Page 146]
here this morning at 5.30 from Anzac The fitter Sgt and party are to arrive yet with our guns and wagons This camp is entirely Australian, all of the Australian Divisions are coming here to reorganise
14/1/1916
A review of the whole of the 1st Division this afternoon, used Small Arms limber wagons to represent guns, marched past in line. This was only a preliminary
15/1/1916
The review took place today, the reviewing Officer was General Archibald Murray
20/1/1916
The Battery is altogether again with the exception of the mobile section, which is still at Cairo, training with the light horse. Since coming to this camp, we have cast 6 horses
22/1/1916
An opperation performed by Capt Heslop V.O. on Arrow, the Colonels horse unnerving him. He was going a little dotty on the near fore, so he considered unnerving him was necessary
24/1/1916
Battalions of infantry are being sent

[Page 147]
down to Ismailia
A big scheme is on foot here, the next fighting for us will be at Suez The 2nd Division of Artillery are ordered there.
1/2/1916
Two of our guns arrived, the remainder we hear will be here on Saturday. The Mobile Section is trecking from Cairo to here, they are on the road now The I.O.M. Inspector of Ordnance Machinery has inspected the guns of the Brigade, and give them a life some 800, others 1,000 rounds
3/2/1916
The usual training is taking place in this camp. This week a drafting of men out of the Battery will take place, we are about 50 men over strength, They will either go to the B.A.C, or be sent to Details. The horses under my care, 78 in number, are working well. The work is harder than usual, starting at 9.30 AM, and finishing the morning parade about 11.30. Turn out again at 2 P.M. and ending at 4 oclock They get a liberal amount of feed, consisting of , Maize, Barley, Peas, (split) Beans, Bran, Hay, Tibben, and green stuff (Burseem)
On the sick lines, at present, we have

[Page 148]
a few cases of minor ailments, One case of sore throat, another with scalded shoulders two cases of thin horses, having a rest and recieving a tonic, case of Laminitis Almost recovered. Breast lines, steel wire ro aps are used, and the old style collar chains to fasten the horses. These ropes and chains are not very successful, a few faults are as follows, chains breaking, coming untied, also slipping along the rope, which cause the horses to kick one another as they get bunched together.
(Shoes, Horse) The shoes supplied are all machine made, some passable, others awful; at the best of times machine shoes are no good. This class, (Army Pattern) are all stamped, some with 12 holes, others with 14. Hind shoes double clipped, Some front shoes rolled toes.
(Nail, Horse) Numerous brands, Capewell, M. Lion, and some no brand. Shoes nails and rasps are difficult to obtain, at no time is there a large stock at ordnance. The shoes, in boxes, 25 to 30 sets, in box with nails in each The number of shoes allowed for a

[Page 149]
Battery of Field Artillery is 135 sets and 40,000 nails per month
(Tools) The tools supplied are of inferior make, consisting of 4 kits, each containing nailing on hammer, 1 pair of pincers, 1 rasp, 1 Drawing knife, 1 Searcher 1 rag stone 1 Pritchel, 1 apron, 1 pair of hoof cutters, all carried in leather valise A No 2 tool chest containing 1 turning hammer 1 Sledge 2 pairs of tongs 2 cold cutters, (chisels) 2 pritchels 2 stamps. No forge or anvil is issued. Cold shoeing is the order. The health, and any injury to horses have to be considered, for that purpose a 25 lbs chest is supplied, it contains Cotton wool, bandages, a few drugs, needle and silk, Carbolic soap and Carbolised [indecipherable] A kit for rendering first aid is carried on the saddle in a wallet, containes Scissors, Forceps, Tweezers, Syringe, Jointed Searcher, Pins, Needles, Ligature, and Drenching horn
9-1/1916
This is the first day in this camp, that the 2nd Bty turned out to a field day complete, Even then we had to borrow horses and wagons

[Page 150]
The routine for the day was, leave camp at 9 A.M., march out about 1 ½ mile, come into action, remain so for 25 minutes, advance another mile, halt action front, In action ½ hour. Advance 1 ½ miles again, action front. The next move was a retirement, the first line wagons to go back 2 miles, take up a semi-covered position and wait for the guns to come back Whilst this move was being carried out, the guns and firing Bty wagons took up another forward position, so we now had two wagon lines The order to retire was given at guns and at once retired to first line wagons bringing along the firing Battery, Every thing went well very few mistakes. The weather all the morning was unsettled, a few drops of rain falling when we went out. Just got into camp when down come the rain in torrents. It is now 12 oclock midday. This work is too heavy for our horses. The sand and dust is terrible

10-2-1916 and 11-2-1916
Ordinary camp routine, horses resting, patching up galls and sores

[Page 151]
12-2-1916
Mobile Section arrived, Brought back 28 horses.
The largest tooth I ever saw in a horse 1 ¼ inches higher than the others. An hours work to rasp it level. Horse No 3313. after an absence of 14 days, found at 3rd Brigade. New Vet officer Captain Baker A.V.C attached to 1st Brigade
16-2-1916
Great alterations in Infantry. We have here now the 53 Battalion An alteration is taking place in the Artillery, Another Division is being formed. The D.A.C. is cut out, and 100 horses taken from B.A.C. The horse establishment in a Bty is now 125 not 126.
Lieut Olding returned to Bty
A fair amount of trouble with our horses. Several suffering from thrush, others with lameness, that cannot be accounted for. Laminitis, a few cases. Fever or Congestion. Kicks and rope galls. One horse with a temperature of 105.2 Dangerous) Given a drench composed of 2 oz Nitrous Ether 1 oz Quinine Sulphate 1 oz of Bicarbonate

[Page 152]
of Soda. This drench was to reduce temperature. Quinine Electuary is given three times daily. A few sore shoulders are likewise shewn on sick reports. Colic is on the decrease
18-2-1916
Great change is about to take place in Battery Corp Shoeing Smith Clarke and S.S. Hyland to go to new division. My staff is greatly reduced only one shoeing smith left. Elphick promoted to Corp. A few sick horses on line. Worst case on hand is a mare with congestion of lungs. Another with Ecezema. The misterious lameness still continues amongst our horses. The only reason that I can account for it, is the nature of the ground. The surface appears level, in places however the horse sinks over his pastern joint, the consequence is a sprained fetlock or shoulder, In a few days they are well again
19-2-1916
The following officers. N.C.O. and men going to new division, gaining promotion Sgt Gurd to be B.S.M, Corp Clarke to be Farrier Sgt, Capt McLaughlin to be Major, Lieut Selmes to be Capt, Q.M.S. Cable, retain

[Page 153]
his present rank, S. S. Hyland to B.A.C
22-2-1916
Pneumonia is amongst our horses. One mare in particular, temperature 106 Deg. Fallen now to 103. I have no hope of her recovery. The history of this case is as follows. This particular mare was with the mobile section, left behind in Cairo. They come to this camp by road a distance of 50 miles, in one day. The horse arrived here sweating and in a terrible state. No rugs were available, saddle blankets were used but they were wet through with sweat. The night was cold, this horse caught a cold, and later developed Pneumonia
24-2-1916
The poor old mare is dead, I was up all night with her, she died at 8.30 this morning, Dead horses are burried ½ mile from the camp. A P.M. was held by Vet officer Pluro- Pneumonia was the disease. 5 or 6 gallons of fluid was around its lungs. A horse with this disease suffers untold agonies. Eyes dilated nostrils extended, resperation rapid, abdominal breathing and high temperature, as high as 106.4

[Page 154]
From the time this horse took sick until it died was exactly 8 days The making of new Artillery Brigades are proceeding apace. W. Officer Barren to be Lieut in 43 Bty
26-2-1916
Major Anderson to command the 1st Brigade. Promoted to Lieut Colonel. Fine man thorough soldier. Our original commander Lieut Col Christian promoted full Colonel Officers leaving the Battery are taking their horse with them. 100 horse now in Battery. Stubborn cases of sore shoulders, or to say bruised would be more correct
7-3-1916
Since last entry, great alterations have taken place. Lieut Olding is Capt Commanding this Bty, with Lieut Rigg, Little and Morris. Col Christian is with another Division. Col. Anderson has taken over the 1st Bde He was Staff Major, Inspecting our horse lines, asked for my shoeing list and horse regester books, Wanted to know if all horses were shod every month, Asked to see last horse shod. I pointed it out to him, he picked

[Page 155]
up the front foot, and asked questions, Do you believe in hot fitting, Why do you seat a shoe A type written paper was handed to me on 6-3-1918, stating my duties. Paraded to Major about it I wanted to know if there were any complaints. He spoke very fair saying it was the new C.O. and every Far Sgt in Brigade was getting one Capt Heslop V.O. is now P.V.O camp About 600 reinforcements arrived tonight, only 4 were original 1st Brigade men
13-3-1916
Today mark the arrival of a Vet. Sgt attached to Battery. He is in charge of all sick horses. I am relieved from that part of the business Vet Officer Baker takes over 1st Bde 5 Vet Sgt attached to Brigade
14-3-1916
Innoculation against Typhoid, arm very sore and painful
16-3-1916
A field day, Left camp 9.30A.M. back again at 5.30 P.M.
20-3-1916
Left Tel-el-Kebir camp at 9.20 P.M.

[Page 156]
Horse and vehicles on board train Arrived at Alexandria 5.25 A.M. on 21-3-1916. Embarked on Cestrain, moved off at 6 P.M.
22-3-1916
H.M.T.S. Cestrain
Second innoculation this morning at 10.45. Weather beautiful. On board between 750 and 800 horses belonging to 1st 2nd 3rd Btys 1st B.A.C and a squadron of 4th light horse. This vessel is about the best horse boat I have seen large and airy where the horses are, but the mens accomodation is miserable, She is a cattle boat
23-3-1916
This morning a troopship somewhere ahead of us was torpoeded, An object with a red flag attached was sighted this morning, Heard later it was marking the spot of a sunken trooper. Weather still good
24-3-1916
Reached Malta 3 oclock P.M. Left an hour later. Bound for Marsailles Sgt men accomodation too small. Not enough food, 4 loaves of bread for 32 Sgts. Seating room for 20 only One horse sick, Fever, Simple

[Page 157]
Weather a little cooler, sea smooth
25-3-1916
A fair number of sick horses on board. One dead killed itself last night, belong to B.A.C. Passed one sailing ship and a number of steam ships. Early this morning sighted land. Fair weather
26-3-1916 Sunday
6.30 A.M. land was sighted yesterday Weather cold and windy. Dropped anchor at 10 P.M. outside Marseilles harbour
27-3-1916
Along side wharf at 7.30 A.M. Disembarked and marched out to La Valentine leading our horses. Arrived there at 5 P.M. 8 miles walk
28-3-1916
Weather cold and wet. We are billeted in an old mill built in 1860, A fine roomy place, but all to rack and ruin This is a rest camp. The Indian remount Corps is here. The ship Knight Templar that left Alexandria soon after us, arrived here with small pox on board We are warned to move camp
29-3-1916
Moved camp last night at 10 oclock under canvas in the remount grounds

[Page 158]
The Knight Templars men, going into our old billet, and are isolated, quarantined, in fact
30-3-1916
Marching orders recieved. Move off at 2 P.M. to entrain. This order was cancelled later
31-3-1916
Marching orders again recieved. Move out at 3 P.M. Weather improving, but still dull. Orders again cancelled
1-4-1916
Leave granted for ½ day Saturday. Went to Marseilles. Had a look around. Very clean city particularly after Egypt. All streets paved with stones. Tram fares cheap, 8 miles for one penny: A number of wounded French in the city legs off, maimed and blind, Hundreds wearing decorations. The most decorated people I have ever seen, almost every soldier wears a medal of some sort. A sight that make one think, is the milliners shops absolutely all Crepe, particularly the women hats. Hundreds of women in mourning. Dull weather but fine
2-4-1916
The rations issued here, are very light

[Page 159]
But a village is not far off and is in bounds, where you can procure a feed very reasonable, A plate of soup costs one penny, Had a stroll around the country this evening, Beautiful, nice and green, plenty of grass, Fruit trees in blossom. Good roads, stone walls and Hawthorn hedges. Horses of the Brigade were tested for Glanders, Some new idea, inject some stuff in lower eye lid
3-4-1916
Visited Vet Hospital, Some very bad cases Poll evil, Fractures, Dislocated shoulders, Festered corns, Quittor Pneumonia, and even Glanders. This Hospital is worked by an Indian remount Corps, European officers and N.C.O.
5-4-1916
Meat very dear in this country. Paid 8 Francs for a leg of mutton. The 102nd Howitzer Bty left here this morning. Like us they are without guns and wagons
8-4-1916
Between the 5th and 8th Vet Officer Baker happened with an accident. Horse bolted, and fell with him, Capt Howes

[Page 160]
Doctor, whilst jumping his horse happened with an accident, horse fell, Two stitches over right eye. Wet an miserable, mud everywhere
9-4-1916
Stampede 1st Battery horses whilst grazing. Several slightly injured. Some missing. A few found in Marseilles 8 miles away. The Far Sgt working overtime a lot of shoes lost Today is Sunday, sun shining
10-4-1916
Left La Vallentine at 1.30 P.M. Entrained at Marseilles at 7-30 P.M.
11-4-1916
Enroute, Stopped at Macon. 1 hour 1-2 P.M
12-4-1916
Still in train, weather cold and raining. Breakfasted at Mantes-Gassicourt. Another hour spell. 10 till 11.A M. Arrived at Havre 7.P.M. Wet and cold, Almost 48 hours in train. Arrived in camp 1 P.M. 13-4-1916
13-4-1916
Drawing equipment from ordnance. All Btys fully equipped here Guns, wagons, Harness, Horses etc. The port at Havre is taken over by the English Military

[Page 161]
Authorities, Bitterly could, but fine
15-4-1916
Orders to entrain, to proceed to the front. Windy and cold almost freezing. Left the camp at 1-30 P.M. Entrained at Le Havre 4-30 P.M. Destination unknown. Moved out at 6 P.M.
16-4-1916
Arrived at St Omer at 11-45 A.M. Sighted enemy aeroplane. The first in France. Arrived at end of journey, Caestre at 1-30 P.M. Caestre was where our wagon line was to be, but we detrained at Godwaersvelde
17-4-1916
Wet weather, mud over boot tops. Now on the boarder of France and Belgium. Our billet is at a farm camped in a barn, the farmers animals are there also. Cows, Pigs, Dogs and Horses. All hand fed during the winter. This is where the French and British drove the Germans back 14 miles. A graveyard containing 500 British is close by. I have seen in this village, little children, with hands

[Page 162]
cut off. The people at this farm speak Flemish, and broken English. They had four sons at the war fighting Two killed and one wounded. Our horses are feeling the change of climate, scanty rations, and bad rugs. Our food is very inferior, Bully beef and biscuits. The old lady here told me that she recieved 1,400 Francs for two cows
18-4-1916
Still raining, cold and windy, I don’t like this country always raining 13 miles from the firing line
19-4-1916
Raining, cold, No excitement, only horse exercise, gun laying and fuze setting
20-4-1916
Continue raining, and very cold 14 men and three sgts crimed for overstaying leave. Verdict, 7 days confined to camp. Most unjust considering that evening stables finished at 5.30, and they had to be back in billet by 7 P.M. They had ½ an hours walk to the village
21-4-1916

[Page 163]
A nice fine day. Good Friday
22-4-1916
Left Caestre this morning at 7 oclock Raining a treat, wet to the skin. Arrived at new billets 12 oclock noon Sailley is the village
23-4-1916
At last a fine day. Aeroplanes very busy. A duel between an French and German airman. Both crashed, all hands killed This happened ½ mile from our camp I am behind with my shoeing, can’t work in the mud and rain. A number of our men getting sick Today is Easter Sunday
24-4-1916
Today cloudy, indications of more rain, Another aeroplane duel this morning. The shooting at aeroplanes is carried out extensively here, over 100 shots fired at one in ½ hour. Although Sailley is where we draws supplies from we are actually billeted in Estaires. Permission to leave camp last night, went to Estaires, Fair size village, not

[Page 164]
Much business doing. Streets paved with stones, A tram line is there, but no trams. A few of the buildings are destroyed by gun fire. The farm where we are billeted at, billeted Germans, when they cleared out they took with them 2 horses belonging to the old farmer. This is a very Catholic country. All along the roads are shrines named after Saints, also crucifixions of large size, and small statues of the Vergin Mary.
I never in all my life saw so many old people 60 and 70 years old and over, All young and middle age men are in uniform. The gunners of 1st Bty are at Calias. Doing shot practice, Been there three days. Our Battery starts for Calias tomorrow and go through the same performance
25-4-1916
This day is the Anniversary of the attack on Anzac. Rev 3-30 A.M. our N.C.O. and gunners go to Calias. Shooting. I am in charge of wagon line, assisted by Bdr Shaw. One Franc per man is granted by authorities, to purchase extra provisions. Capt Kingsmill

[Page 165]
bought for the Brigade. One of our Australian Btys passed here the 8th going into action. The village of Sailley, shelled heavely. Terrific gun fire all day and half the night
26-4-1916
Fine weather. Our Artillery still active Aeroplanes busy. Gunners expected back tomorrow. A big artillery bombardment on 7 P.M. Firing like fury
27-4-1916
A German plane brought down yesterday. The occupants, Lieut and Corp killed, the Corp head was cut clean off, his tongue was 5 yards away from his body. The officer was one mass of pulp, not a sound bone in his body. 40 men of wagon line ordered to parade at 12-15 P.M. for inspection by Commander in Chief, Sir Douglas Haige. Marched out, got lost, This was a Brigade parade. The officer in charge took the wrong turning. At last we found the appointed parade ground. The parade was formed up. I was in charge of 2nd Bty men. The C in C. arrived, My men were the second inspected, The C in C was rather surprised to see a Farrier Sgt in charge of so many men on

[Page 166]
this parade. He spoke to me saying Ah" Farrier Sgt I see, How long have you been with the Battery; From the formation I answered him. You were on Gallipoli, how long were you there. Seven months sir. How many horse had you there, I said 47. You did not have much work, I told him a fair amount. He asked the nature of the work. Laughing, he said you did not shoe use many horseshoes. He then shook hands and wished me good luck He spoke to each Officer, shaking hands with each. Now 5 oclock P.M. Got back to our billets after 6 oclock. Orders recieved to take 40 men and 80 horses to Strazeele, to bring back officers and gunners. A 7 miles ride. Arrived at railway station 8 P.M. Back at wagon lines 11.30 P.M. Complimented upon our shooting
28-4-1916
Fine weather, country drying up pleasure to move about. A bit of a spell today
29-4-1916
Moved our wagon lines 3 miles nearer firing line, to a place named Steenwerck. Granted 8 days leave, going to London. Left camp 7 P.M. to pick up motor at Sielly cross

[Page 167]
roads. Arrived at Steenbecque at 11 P.M. Dumped on road, nothing to do, and no place to go, Train leaving a 7 A.M. tomorrow-
30-4-1916
Arrived at Bolougne 2 P.M. Waiting for boat. On board at 9 P.M. Arrived Folkestone 11 P.M. Arrived at Victoria railway station 2 A.M. on the 1-5-1916 Found accommodation at Peel House
1-5-1916
To visite one of my old pals people Mr and Mrs Grimsley, paid 3/8 in taxy, got back to town for fourpence
2-5-1916
Visited Westminster Abby this morning Removing the ancient windows, and covering the old tombs with sand bags Weather, wet and cold.
3-5-1916
Fine, but dull, Meeting quite a number of N.S.W. men and women. Went to a theatre in Kingsway last evening, in company with a New Zealand Sgt belonging to Mounted Rifles. The poor chap lost his right arm at Suvla Bay We were put into No 7 private box. This was free, obtained a pass from Peel House. Surprising the number

[Page 168]
Of men you met in uniform that are maimed, legs and arms off also fingers and scares on face.
Visited King stables this evening. A magnificiant place. 100 horses in stable. Bay geldings and a few black stallions. Four farriers are employed. The horses are shod with tips, a little longer than the ordinary ones, with a rubber pad covering the frog, and forming a ring under the shoe. Everything is clean and polished. Even the head chains that the horses are tied up with are burnished. The straw bedding in a foot deep, with platted straw along the edge. The harness is superb. Red and Gold and black and gold, Sets and Sets of it all in glass cases, clean and polished. Next of interest was the coach house. State coach painted red and gold. And the Coronation coach, built in the 16th centuary, built of oak and hand carved. The hind wheels are 6 feet 1 inch heigh. The coach itself weigh 4 tons, and when the horses 8 creamys are hooked in measure 111 feet. Riding school next visited.

[Page 169]
All young horse are trained here One horse in the stable is 23 years old and is 18 hands
4-5-1916
This morning visited Tower of London. Saw the Historic Beef Eaters, All military men, been N.C.O. in Army all wearing medals, one in particular a man 76 years old, been serving 30 years in the army and 30 in the Tower. He had 7 medals. He was at relief of Lucknow. Very nice is the jewel room & pound 5,0000,000 is the value All classes of armour there, The gun and limber that carried the mortal remains of the late King Edward VII there also It is an 18 lb, the same as we use now in France.
Afternoon, Kew Gardens, Flowers at their best in full bloom. These trips are organised by the people at Peel House. All expenses are paid, including, train, bus and entrance fees, also refreshments 32 persons in this party
5-5-1916
Todate visited diffrent places of interest

[Page 170]
Parliment Houses and Waterloo Bridge, etc
7-5-1916
Left Victoria Street railway station at 8 A.M. arrived at Folkestone 10-30 A.M. in rest house till 12-15. Been raining all the morning. Had breakfast at Y.M.C.A. On board boat at 1. P.M. Arrived a Bolougne 3 P.M. Again in rest camp until 6 P.M. Entrained and moved off at 8 P.M. Arrived at Steenwerck 1 A.M.
8-5-1916
Arrived at camp, after a walk of 8 miles, in time for breakfast Again wet wind, and cold
9-5-1916
Still raining. O.C. Sgt major and Bty H.Q. Staff gone to firing line at 5.30 P.M.
10-5-1916
Rain stopped, Awaiting orders Nothing doing
11-5-1916
Indications of more wet weather orders recieved to relieve the 4th Bty by the 15th inst
12-5-1916

[Page 171]
Gunners and Sgts going to Bty position Weather fine
13-5-1916
Wet again, I am in charge of wagon line. Very quiet along our front. Wagon line to move forward, Monday 15th
14-5-1916
Fine, but wet under foot. The 3rd Battery moved wagon line at 10 P.M. Very quiet in firing line. Talking to Stephen Friend, of the family of W.S. Friend ironmongers Sydney. He is with 3rd Bty detachment anti aircraft gun.
15-5-1916
Wet day. Orders to move at 7 P.M. to new wagon line. We are now on the outskirts of Sailly, and about 1 mile in rear of Guns
16-5-1916
At last we are in good billets. Fine day. First shots fired by 2nd Bty in France. We fired 24 rounds Regestering targets
17-5-1916
Another fine day. Huns bombarding a village on our right, smashed it to atoms. A clever piece of work, carried

[Page 172]
out by one of our airmen, Dived down on the enemy trench, and used his machine gun on the me there in. A bit of a shelling between our wagon line and B.H.Q. About 50 shells over. No damage done. This happened at 4 P.M. Zeppelin over 10 P.M. got clean away Our people very busy in early part of night. Machine gun, Rifle, and Artillery fire
18-5-1916
Wagon line inspected by General Hobbs this morning at 11 oclock The usual complaints. Battery fired 80 rounds last night. 56 rounds sent to Bty at 9 P.M. A most strict check to be kept on all ammunition and report sent daily to B.H.Q.
19-5-1916
Aeroplanes busy, Enemy shelling in our direction, not one hundred yards in front of our horses. Hope he does not increase his range. Had horses taken off the lines Zeppelin over again last night. Shoeing horses under f difficulties, no forge, using and oil drum, shoeing 8 or 9 per day.

[Page 173]
20-5-1916
Battery shelled several times during the night. Very poor shooting, No casualties, Our water cart and driver got mixed up, No damage. 38 rounds of ammunition sent to guns 9-30 P.M. Expect our wagon line to be shelled at any time, Too many stray shells flying about to be healthy.
The 9th and 11th Battalions suffered at 8 oclock last evening. 50 men killed and wounded. Infantry transport horse fell into ditch, nearly out of sight, I mustered up 12 or 15 men, soon got her out
21-5-1916
Glorious day, as regards weather. Very quiet, a few of our Planes about. Rather an interesting manner in which the germans do their ranging, They put over a few pip squeaks (13 pds) Then they finish up with 5.9 high explosive, putting them within a radius of a few hundred yards. A spy captured. The 66th heavy Bty 9.2 inch, put in

[Page 174]
in 15 rounds into a German gun position, one direct on a gun. The remainder within a radius of 35 yards. The enemy opened fire on them, and shelled them away from their guns. No damage done worth talking about, A few acres of ground rooted up. This happened 200 yards on the right of our horse lines,
22-5-1916
Good weather prevails, getting warm 16 rounds of ammunition sent to Bty last night. The shelling mentioned on the 20th done great damage to a billet, blowing it to atoms. As luck would have it, no troops were there. The enemy were after a Bty close by, but failed to find it. Went to Estaires to price a forge, 135-145 Francs. The major is buying one out of Bty funds
23-5-1917
A light shower yesterday evening, but fine today. The Bty that is billeted with us, made a hurried move last night. One of their guns at Verdun got

[Page 175]
blown out, and this section was ordered there. Just before they moved they were shelled. Two huge arrows cut in the ground were discovered in front of our gun position, one pointing to our guns, and the other pointing to the 103rd Bty. This country is full of spies.
24-5-1916
A bombardment by the enemy starting at 11 P.M, rather severe Hun aeroplane over this morning 5-30. Four guns on to him. Brought down in our lines
25-5-1916
Dull and cloudy. Ammunition taken to Bty 23 rounds 85 fuze, Sent at 8-30 P.M. 39 rounds H.E. drawn from B.A.C. The expendature of money and waste of material is terrific. We have drawn from ordnance since we have been here, (under two weeks) about £200 worth of material Iron Cupolas for funk hole 40 feet long, also 6 x 6 timber and struts. Divisional orders says, if wagon is shelled, the horses are to be

[Page 176]
taken to a flank. Very unlikely that men would come back to get into a funk hole. Waste of material. The B.H.Q. billets shelled. The only damage done was a cow wounded in head and legs. The shell went through an open door and knocked out a few bricks. My first appearance at gun position. Instruction in box gas helmet
26-5-1916
Rained like fury all night, cloudy today. 109 rounds ammunition to Bty. 7,000 rounds of S.A. drawn from D.A.C.
27-5-1916
Warned that the wagon line would be inspected by General Birdwood and Hobbs. 148 rounds of shrap sent to guns. Enemy very quiet. Some big move coming off. Weather fine
28-5-1916
Our Artillery very active. 121 rounds sent to Bty last night. A German cook house was spotted, six Batteries opened fire on it. Finished cook house. One of our aeroplanes had a rough time last night at 8 oclock, About 250 shells fired at him by Fritz.

[Page 177]
You would think it impossible for him to escape. Shells bursting all around A fine sight, just dark enough to show up the bursts. He got through. Rather a good scheme worked off by the Artillery yesterday. One Battery firing on the first line trenches. The enemy left them, as they did so, another Bty opened fire on them, and drove them into the supports, another Bty followed them into the communication trench, and still another Bty followed them into open country. Terrible slaughter. The General did not arrive, waited all day. A fair amount of gun fire on our left this morning. Fine but cloudy
29-5-1916
Aeroplanes very busy today. Weather fine Artillery quiet. Ammunition to Bty 39 rounds. Something doing on our left. Machine guns working rapidly. Time 8-30 P.M. Horses just in from exercise 9 P.M.
30-5-1916
More rain. Heavy Artillery fire on our left. Enemy sighted rethatching a building. 27 rounds

[Page 178]
H.E. put into it. A new building is now wanted there. Now 2 P.M. rain stopped but cloudy and windy, I was up all night
31-5-1916
Very lively last night. A terrific bombardment lasting 2 hours. From 8 till 10 P.M. 444 rounds of ammo to guns. The Germans used gas shells, and under cover of them charged. They captured a portion of our trench. D sub gun had a H.E. land under muzzle, knocking sand bags and timber to atoms. No one injured. Shells close to our wagon line, Orders to stand by. Also close to my billet in fact pieces landed inside.
1-6-1916
A small amount of Artillery fire. The bombardment on the 31-5-1916 done a lot of damage to the enemy. The official report says, hundreds of the enemy killed. Weather again fine
2-6-1916
One of our baloons adrift, last evening. Heard that shrapnel bullet cut the moorings. 400 shots

[Page 179]
fired at it. Drifted over German lines. Aeroplane brought down yesterday. Took 3 German machines to manage it. Very unlucky day
3-6-1916
Bombardment expected last night. 187 rounds of ammunition sent to Bty. Did not come off. Weather fine and cool. Staff Captain inspecting our wagon lines and horses, this morning at 7 oclock. Well satisfied with what he saw. Great activity on our left.
4-6-1916
Wagon line inspected this morning at 11 oclock by General Birdwood Gen Hobbs and Capt Richards our adjutant. Pleased with the turn out. Our horses and harness is in the best possible condition, never saw harness looking better. Great shelling around the 23rd Bty beginning at 7 A.M. and stopped at 9-30 A.M. Killing 2 Infantry men and wounding 6. Their billet smashed to atoms. All of these shells were 5.9 inch H.E.
5-6-1916
Wet weather. Our O.P. blown out

[Page 180]
Four men sent from wagon line to repair same. From 10-30 to 12 midnight a terrific bombardment. The Welsh Division done most of it. At 11 P.M. recieved orders to stand too. Harness up 4 teams
6-6-1916
Driver Williams thrown from horse whilst on exercise. Sent to Hospital. Some big move on 1,054 rounds of ammunition to Bty. And 608 rounds in wagon line. The 23rd Bty billet burned down. Owner claiming £500 damages. A board inguiring into it. Artillery firing and Germans replying
7-6-1916
Weather fine, but cloudy, Things very quiet. Competition between 1st D.A.C. and 2nd Bty. Best turn out, Won by the latter, in the (C.O. words) by a short head Colonel Anderson was judge
8-6-1916
Today we recieved the sad news that Lord Kitchiner with his staff were drowned. A terrible misfortune

[Page 181]
for the British Army. Great sorrow in the force. Cloudy and a little rain this morning. Things quiet. Our trenches were flattened out by the enemy yesterday. Although we say trenches, they are actually parapits. Can’t dig trenches here, strike water. So to get sufficient cover, embankments are erected. All telephones cut off from 10 A.M. til 3 P.M. We are listening, and finding out if our lines are tapped by the enemy
9-6-16
A very wet and windy night. But fine today. All civilian population ordered 6 miles behind the firing line
10-6-1916
Wet cold and miserable. Aeroplanes busy. A big stunt on over Ypres way. Our front fairely quiet. Although we fire over 100 rounds per day. About 200 rounds fired at Hun plane, good shooting, the last 3 shots one over, one under, and the last a direct hit. The machine burst into flames and dived to earth.

[Page 182]
11-6-1916
Wet again last night. Just heard of another big success by the Russians. Our Battery to be relieved on the 15th inst by the 9th Bty. 286 rounds fired by the Bty yesterday. A new Vet Officer on the job Capt Hindmarsh, from Vet College Sydney. Capt McNield, and English Vet, has gone away, not wanted. He was always drunk, and neglected his work. A large number of infantry went to trenches last night
12-6-1916
Again wet, cold, and miserable, mud all over the place. Nothing doing, too rough for aeroplanes. The airman I mentioned some time back, using his machine gun on trenches, has been captured. He was a Major in our air force. He used to do all kinds of peculiar stunts; Loop the loop, dive in spiral formation, and fly very low. The leave to England is cut down from 8 days to 7. A new class of rocket, as used by the Germans, are so good, that the authorities are offering a reward of & pound ;50 and one month

[Page 183]
furlough, to any man capturing one of the machines and the rocket that it fires. Still sending 4 men to our observing station, (O.Pip) repairing it. A few more 5.9 shells into it
13-6-1916
Terribly rough weather, wet, and cold. Up all night, waiting on ammunition from D.A.C. It did not arrive. A continuous bombardment all night. Two machine guns and 6 men captured. Preparation to move. A number of our men attending a memorial service in a ruined church in Sailly, for Lord Kitchener. The church was crowded
14-6-1916
Wet and windy, mud up to your neck. Again up all night, sending ammunition to Bty 992 rounds. Rained in torrents, wet to the skin. Supposed to move today. Terrific fighting by Canadians on our left. We are to have two weeks spell
15-6-1916
Left billet last night 8 P.M. Arrived at new billet at 10 P.M.

[Page 184]
Real quagmire, accommodation rotten. This billet was vacated by the 9th Battery. Weather wet and cold. Wet boots and feet day after day, and to make matters worse, a Divisional order is out, calling in every blanket with the exception of 1 per man. This taking place tomorrow. This order was cancelled later. Out of action for 2 weeks. The total number of rounds fired by the Bty in last position was, 4,090 Not bad for one month. Col Anderson on leave to England. Daylight saving, come into operation last night. Time put forward one hour. Again the Battery was complimented for the good work done in action, by the General. We battered the German trenches to pieces and altered their line, they even rushed reinforcements up. No casualties in Bty. Put in a bad night, sleeping on a brick floor, with 2 blankets. Tonight I changed my billet. Our horses are not doing too

[Page 185]
good, rugs have been all called in, and the weather is very cold
16-6-1916
Fine but cloudy, place drying up nicely. Went to Estaires to buy a forge 125 Francs. Send mess cart in tomorrow. The billet where our right section men are camped, the owner go in for breeding rabbits, got hundreds. In District orders today, attention is drawn to the number of draught horses out of action; nearly all feet cases, quittor and wire nail pricks & etc. The attention of the farriers is particularly drawn to the fact. After so much wet the horses feet get awfully rotten, shoes fall off wholesale
17-6-1916
Glorious day, Sun shining. Big stunt on last night, In the vicinity of Ypres. Some big guns over there We are at least 6 miles from firing line, never the less the vibration is felt here. Anti-air guns firing furiously.

[Page 186]
Supposed to be resting, plenty of fatigue work. Don’t go nap on this country as regards weather. A gas attack last night, between 11 and 12 oclock. Just missed it by yards. The wagon line that we just moved from. The 9th Bty is there suffered, Two men and several horses gassed. The men are not dead. The attack started at Fleurbaix, not far from our old position, and went through to Sailly and almost to Estaires. It caught our D.A.C, made some of the men sick. It travelled about 12 miles. In the front line 60 of our infantry got an over dose; About 150 in all got some. The Q.M. Sgt of 9th Bty wounded in forehead. An aeroplane duel 5 of ours after a Taub. Got him.
18-6-1916
Very quiet day. Away over on our left, a little stunt is going on. Today Sunday granted ½ holiday. Yesterday a forge arrived, purchased

[Page 187]
out of Bty funds. 125 Francs Today is fine
19-6-1916
A bombardment and gas alarm last night at 1 A.M. One officer and one N.C.O. to attend a school of instruction on gas, at Sailly. They go through a practical test with real gas
20-6-1916
Today is fine, Nothing of any importance doing. The gas the other night played havoc with our Infantry. Later I heard that 90 were killed
21-6-1916
Fine weather. The 5th Division is here. We are having a good time A gramophone has arrived, my shoeing smith Heyden has it, his mother sent it to him. A cricket set has also arrived. The boys have a game almost every evening. Expect to move any time now. Rumours of a route march in the wind. The full distance the gas travelled, (official report) is 22 miles, this is cloud gas. At 8 P.M. 12 of our battle planes

[Page 188]
over enemys lines, Bombing raid. Thousands of shots fired at them
22-6-1916
Route march tomorrow. A mounted division composed of the 15th Lancers and 3rd Hussars arrived here last night, Brought their horses with them. Col Anderson back from leave, inspecting our wagon lines. A fair amount of shelling along our front
23-6-1916
Route march started at 8 A.M. Back to billets by 4 P.M. Went about 15 miles. Went to a place called Nieppe. Just back in time to dodge a thunderstorm. Today has been hot. Bombardment on our left front, some heavy stuff put in. In coming out of gateway where we camped for dinner, one wagon went into ditch, almost out of sight, in trying to move it some of our harness carried away. Hooked a motor lorrie on, heaved it out in one act. Went all day

[Page 189]
without loosing a shoes
24-6-1916
Wet for half a day. This evening is fine. Things very quiet. A little Artillery activity. We are to hold ourselves in readyness, to be a mobile Battery. Some big move on. The days are very long. Sun sets a 9 oclock. Mosquitoes very bad
25-6-1916
Col Anderson inspecting gun position. Football match this evening between the 2nd and 3rd Bty and 1st Bty and B.H.Q. The 2nd and 3rd Btys won
26-6-1916
Today showery, The C.O. inspected our horse s lines this morning. Aeroplanes busy. Rumours of a move to Ypres, to relieve the Canadians. Colonel Anderson sent for me today. Our horses are in two line, right and left about 700 yards apart. Wanted me to inspect a horses teeth. Asked me if I had a rasp. No not allowed to carry one. Said the Vet Sgt was supposed to do that work

[Page 190]
He said damn the Vet Sgts, I am sick of looking at them, I would rather the farriers did it
27-6-1916
Today is wet, heavy Artillery shooting. Terrific, lasted about 3 hours. Rumoured that we will use gas tonight, if the wind is favourable. C.O. inspecting our horses again today. The civilian population, men, women and children, are to take particular care of their gas helmets. All trafic is stopped on Sailly bridge from 10 P.M. till 3 A.M.
28-6-1916
Still wet; A few mishaps in Divisional Artillery, one gun of the 7th Bty blown out, A shell set fire to the gun pit and every thing was burned. One man killed, and one wounded in the 101st Bty. One gun of the 2nd New Zealand Bty, smashed to atoms, blown clean out of pit, picked up in pieces. Only one man wounded Today I saw the first funeral in France. An old lady died at 3rd Bty billet. The hearse was a farm wagon, with a tarpaulin over it, drawn by a pair of bay

[Page 191]
draught horses. The mourners walking behind in twos. 10 men and 2 women. Our horses not doing to good in this country. The least wound, swelling up to an enormous size. Likely to move in two days
29-6-1916
Today is dry, but cloudy. Lieut Morris gone to school of instruction for Officers at St. Omer. Firing Bty ordered into action for one night only, out Fleurbaix way. The idea is, our people are too far in advance, they are to fall back a certain distance, and we are to cover them. 76 rounds to be carried for each gun. A concert held last evening at B.H.Q. The officers are having a dinner there tonight
30-6-1916
Morning wet, Evening fine but windy. Firing Bty left billet last night at 8-30. The wagons got back here at 3 A.M. Guns are in action in the open, under apple trees. Expecting a big move tonigh. Something went wrong last night, the enemy started to bombard our lines. In the early part of the night, red and green

[Page 192]
rockets were fired, and searchlights were flashing. Fritz with the wind up I suppose. Another shoeing smith arrived attached to Bty, come from Light Horse. A number of aeroplanes operating on front lines. The casualties previously mentioned in 101st Howitzer Bty, was an accident; the loading number bumped the fuze of the shell he was loading on the breech, causing it to explode. 8-30 P.M. 21 aeroplanes, a raiding party
1-7-1916
Saturday, a nice fine day. Guns still in action in forward position. 16 rounds of AX (High Explosive) sent up last night. A long trip from here 7 or 8 miles. The Q.M. Sgts left here with rations in the mess cart at 8-30 P.M., and returned at 2 A.M. Big stunt just started 9-30 P.M. The most severe that I have heard in the land. The vibration is terrific, Our old billet is trembling; Surprising how it holds together. Just left a farm house, where I had a feed of cherries, quite strange on a battle field.
2-7-1916
Very successful raid last night. A Company of the 9th Battalion, captured 20 men, 2 officers, 2 machine guns, and

[Page 193]
2 trench mortars. Three officers of the 9th who are in the same billet with us, participated in the raid. One was killed, one wounded, and the other injured his knee, and went to hospital. One of our men injured; Limber tipped up and cut his hand, 4 stitches were put in. Orders to move forward tonight, leaving here at 9 oclock. The British gained a lot of ground, Hence our advance. Several horses sent to Vet Hospital today
3-7-1916
Guns taken out of action last night at 10-30 oclock, Arrived at billet 3 A.M. Move cancelled. The 101st Howitzer Bty, alongside of us, fired 460 rounds during the night, in 40 minutes
4-7-1916
Raining, Our 5th Sgt arrived, Sgt Younger one of my old pals in the Sydney Bty. Two enemy aeroplanes brought down, yesterday; One completely destroyed, One of the occupants in other shot through the head. Waiting orders to move; vehicles all packed. The C.O. pounced down on the 101st Bty and compelled them to get rid of a lot of their gear. 190 pairs of new socks, Saddle blankets, Shirts, pants, gum boots, that men paid 35 to 40 Francs for

[Page 194]
and all kinds of clothing. The 1st Battery was treated the same, Likewise us. All of this material was burned, The 5 Division is here. They relived the 1st Division. Hyland one of my old shoeing smiths, is transferred to trench mortor Bty, as a gunner (Nick named the suicide Battery) Great activity along our front, severe bombardment. The world has never seen or heard the likes, simply awful. We are now a mobile brigade. Some hard work in front of us. Myself and shoeing smith, working hard, getting all the horses new shod, almost finished
5-7-1916
Rumoured that the British captured 7 Batteries (Light) and 2 heavy, and about 1,100 prisoners. Just starting to rain
6-7-1916
A few showers today, one of my shoeing Smiths, dislocated his shoulder. (Hooper). The much discussed move is cancelled, A few alterations are being made. This is traced to 4th Division. We are to teach them their job, only speaking of the Artillery. Night firing particularly. All night work here. The Colonel inspecting our horses again today. Three horses cast. Never in all my experience

[Page 195]
have I seen so many horse sent to Vet Hospital, with such trivial complaints. Eight in 4 days is our record. The French Cavalry were in action yesterday. Advances 9 miles, and returned again. Saw and old chap killing a pig at this billet. They don’t scald the hair off, they burn it off with straw
7-7-1916
Few isolated showers. Still at same old billet, Shod the Colonels horses. A number of our men transferred to trench mortar Bty. (Medium). Talking to Hyland, told me, a whole detachment got blown out in one hit. (X and Y are Australian Btys)
8-7-1916
Raining again. Very quiet, few planes about, Eleven horses short in Bty. A report to be furnished to Divisional Artillery as regard shoeing
9-7-1916
Fine day (Sunday). The C.O. inspecting our horses again. Rumoured that we move off tomorrow. Huns aeroplanes over. 4 in all; up a terrible hight. No damage done. Thousands of reinforcements arriving here.

[Page 196]
10-7-1916
Weather fine. A bit of a route march this evening, full marching order. The idea is to get all men on parade in marching order; the Q.M. Sgt then go around, and collects all equipment clothing, & etc, and returns the same to ordnance. Quite on our front.
11-7-1916
Marching orders. Left billet at 4-30 P.M. arrived at Godewaersvelde, 8 P.M. Entrained. Ready to move off at 10-30 P.M. Arrived at Doullens. 6 A.M. on the 12-7-1916
12-7-1916
Left Doullens at 7-30 A.M. Arrived at billet 6 P.M., march of 20 miles The Brigade camped together 1st, 2nd, 3rd 101st and B.H.Q. This village is Bourdon
13-7-1916
Boot and saddle 8 A.M. Ready to move off at 9.15 A.M. Order cancelled. Raining. A large number of horses with sore backs and necks. Camped almost on the banks of the Somme
14-7-1916
Battery manoeuvre. Very unlucky day. One man bumped off wagon and run over. He was the Bty fitter. One officers

[Page 197]
horse bolted, went over cliff, 6 ribs broken, sterrup iron penetrated its lungs. Just to got back to horse lines, and recieved orders to move. All hurry and confusion, One good point the weather is fine. Left Bourdon, 6-30 P.M. Went about 12 miles and camped in a field, got there at 10-30 P.M. Settled in camp 2 A.M.
15-7-1916
Getting close to firing line; Heavy fog and dew. On the move again today. Orders are be ready to move with an hours notice. Dog tired, Raining.
16-7-1916
Boot and Saddle 8-30 A.M. Move off 9-15 A.M. Arrived at rail head 2 P.M. and camped. 7 P.M. raining. Camped in an open field. Very uncomfortable, wet through. Tried to rig up a tarpaulin, About as waterproof as wire netting. 2,000 prisoners German, move out just as we arrived. Hundreds of dead and wounded arriving daily at rail head. British advanced 4 miles. Thousands of troops rushed up. This village is Puchervillers
17-7-1916
Still wet, Big ammunition dump. Thousands of rounds stored here, anything

[Page 198]
from 5in to 15in. A train load of ammunition went through yesterday. Also a train load of wounded. Can hear the report of the guns quite plain tonight. A bit of a stunt on. The British captured some gun yesterday 9.2 and 5.4
18-7-1916
Moved from Puchervillers 1-30 P.M. Arrived at new camp at 4 P.M. 10 miles behind firing line. Two brigades camped together. Short march today, about 5 miles. Now under canvas in a wood, defended by the French for months. From the top of this hill, the country can be commanded for miles around. The British captured a wood yesterday. Since we arrived here, one continuous bombardment has been in progress. We have lost as many as 2.000 infantry per day on this front. Made an axle and brackets for a bridge to go over trenches. Carried in two pieces, behind ammunition wagons. 8 men to carry one piece. Worked all night on it. Horses wearing out shoes in three week.
19-7-1916
Fine day. Standing by. Likely to move at 6 P.M. The Colonel and Bty commanders

[Page 199]
gone to firing. We are to relieve a Division. Aeroplanes over in dozens. Motor traffic all day and night. We are making for Albert. Arrived at Albert 10 P.M.
20-7-1916
Battery in action, a real hell hole. Everything blown to pieces. Dead men, horses and mules lying about all over the place. The town of Albert absolutely blown to pieces. The R.C.Church is one mass of ruins. The Virgin Mary with child in arms on the church tower, made of some gilded material, is hanging over the street, face down, The steeple is about 120 feet hight. Ones heart bleeds as such sights. I don’t suppose, that there are a dozen houses in town not damaged. Big motor factury laid in ruins. The French people say, when the statue fall the war will end. A G.S.wagon blown to pieces, man and horses killed. 1st and 2nd Battalions of our Infantry cut up last night going to trenches. We relieve B Bty 86th Brigade. The largest number of baloons up tonight that I have seen since coming to France, 21 in all. The 2nd Brigade lost a wagon, complete, men, and horses, by shell fire. A 12in gun on the

[Page 200]
railway, about 100 yards from our horse lines firing away. 45 of our planes up together.
21-7-1916 PO
Terrific shooting, (Artillery.) all night. The B. 86 cut up last night 30 horses killed, and one man wounded. B.87 had 14 casualties. Our Bty retired 200 yards, only 1,300 yards from enemy firing line. It is hell upon earth. One limber, horses and driver blown to atoms, They are buried on the spot. Three Fokkers attacked 5 of our planes We lost one, the enemy two
22-7-1916
One Sgt major and four Sgts killed in Bty in front of ours. A terrific straff this afternoon, one of our men slightly wounded. Also one horse. Over 1,000 rounds of ammunition going to Bty. A big advance coming off tonight. My orders are to have every horse harnessed and drivers to stand by. Our wagons in a tight corner. Dead horses and men strewn about. An English Bty had one team of horses left out of six. The Artillery is getting hell, Our old friend the 12 inch is firing away. The Germans were very comfortable

[Page 201]
here, one dugout in particular, glass doors, Three rooms, eletric fittings, and even a piano, also an eight day clock. This dugout is 40 feet deep. Enemy shelling the town of Albert with 5.9. An Australian had an arm blown off

[Transcriber’s notes:
Page 32 General Bayou is General Bailloud, GOC Corps Expeditionaire d'Orient
Page 57 - Horse disease Stumalitis is probably Stomatitis
Page 82 - Goebin is the German battle cruiser Goebin
Page 96 - Pagnal cart should be Pagnell cart
Page 99 - Embross is Embros
Page 118 - General Hamilton was not replaced at Gallipoli by General Smith-Dorrien but by General Charles Munro
Page 120 - Achi Baba nulla is Achi Baba nullah. Nullah means ‘dry river bed’ in Turkish
Page 133 – date 13/12/1915 should be 13/11/1915
Page 133 – date 12/12/1915 should be 12/11/1915
Page 141 – Ferejik is the Turkish railway station of Ferijik, on the Turkish river Maritza
Page 141 – Adrianopoli is Adrianople
Page 142 – Adrianopole is Adrianople
Page 155 – Date 6-3-1918 should be 6-3-1916
Page 160 – La Vallentine is La Valentine
Page 161 - Godwaersvelde is Godewaersvelde located in northern France along the Belgian border and is in the heart of Flanders
Page 163 – Sailley is Sailley-Sur-La-Lys located approximately 7 kilometres SW of Armentieres
Page 166 – Sielly is probably Sailley
Page 167 – Bolougne is Boulogne
Page 174 – 23-5-1917 should be 23-5-1916
Page 183 – Sailly is Sailley
Page 186 – Sailly is Sailley
Page 190 – Sailly is Sailley

Division / Unit abbreviations used:
A.S.H – Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
B.A.C. – Brigade Ammunition Column
H.L.I. – Highland Light Infantry
R.F.A. – Royal Field Artillery
R.H.A. – Royal Horse Artillery
K.O.S.B. – Kings Own Scottish Borderers
R.M.L.I. – Royal Midland Light infantry
R.N.D. – Royal Naval Division
G.S. wagon – General Service Wagon]

[Transcribed by Colin Smith, Judy Macfarlan for the State Library of New South Wales]