GALLIPOLI
(continued).
The first night (12th-13th Sept.) in the trenches was not without
serious mishap. Lieut. F. E. Jensen, who had seen service in the South
African War, and was one of the most promising of the junior officers,
was shot through the face when standing on the firestep instructing one
of his platoon. He died a few hours later.
The hours of darkness were punctuated by short bursts of machine gun
fire and occasional rifle shots at movement, or suspected movement, on
the other side. Now and then one of our guns would send a shell over
towards the Turks. Subsequent experience showed that at night time the
enemy rarely replied to these, as he feared that the flashes from his
artillery would disclose his positions and thus afford an opportunity to
the watching Navy with its heavier weapons.
Every soldier in the front trenches was alert. Post commanders moved
about supervising, and the attached New Zealanders imparted useful
information in regard to trench warfare methods, such as how to outwit
the wily Turk; the essential discipline; and precautions to ensure
safety to the individual. Opportunity of gaining an acquaintance with
No-Man's Land was afforded through the necessity of examining and
repairing the protective wire entanglements, which were thrown out in
front and consisted of a few strands of barbed wire and French wire very
imperfectly secured. Now and then senior officers passed down the
forward trench intent on seeing that the general plan of defence was
being adhered to.
Dawn brought increased activity. At that hour--the then accepted hour
for an attack--every man in the Battalion was awake and stood at his
post fully armed and equipped. This state of readiness was referred to
in "orders" as the "Stand To," and was observed morning and evening.
Thus the soldier remained until some 30 minutes later, when the order
"Stand Down" was passed along. On such occasions the absence of fuss and
noise in movement, it is generally agreed, is an indication that a unit
is well disciplined. One of our battalions momentarily went astray in
this respect, and its men in the front trenches, early one morning, were
treated to an unexpected touch of humour on the part of the enemy, from
whose locality a voice, in more or less perfect English, was heard
calling "Stand to, --th Battalion!"
[Illustration: IN THE FRONT LINE AT THE APEX.
_Photo. lent by Mr. A. J. Shipway._]
To the 28th the "Stand Down" brought some relaxation, both mental and
physical, as the rising of the sun restored sight to the sentries and
imparted increased confidence to the whole. Light revealed rather a
marked change in the appearance of individuals. The chill of the night
air had impelled many to put on their greatcoats. Some had even donned
their Balaclava caps, which, showing only the eyes, nose, and mouth of
the wearer, and surmounted by a hat or cap, gave a grotesque effect.
Clothing smeared with earth, eyes bloodshot for want of sleep, and
scrubby chins disclosed the need and benefit of, amongst other things, a
wash. Water for this was, however, not available except in small
quantities, and the man was lucky who secured one that day. The next
best thing was a meal, and this consisted of army biscuit and tinned
meat (bully beef) washed down by a small quantity of tea, which the
Quartermaster had sent up hot but which reached those who needed it in a
lukewarm condition.
[Illustration: EXCAVATING A "BIVVY" IN THE SUPPORT TRENCHES, THE APEX.
_Photo. lent by Mrs. H. Simm._]
Following that was the cleaning up of the trenches. This consisted of
collecting all scraps of food, empty tins, bits of paper, etc., and
removing from the floor the debris that had fallen from the walls, or
parapet and parados, during the previous 24 hours. Then came attention
to rifle and bayonet, which were to be kept free of obstruction and
rust. The reserve ammunition and bombs, some of which were open to the
air, had also to be wiped free of verdigris and dust so that they would
not jam or clog when required for use. This daily cleaning up had become
almost a fetish in the army, but it undoubtedly engendered habits of
orderliness--thereby promoting efficiency, and also had a material
effect on the health of the individual by keeping down the flies, which
would swarm around any tins or other receptacles which had contained
food, or any of the food itself.
This day brought the Battalion for the first time under direct artillery
fire. It was the enemy's custom to indulge in a "hate" morning and
afternoon. This would take the form of a bombardment of from 20 to 80
rounds of 77 millimeter shrapnel and high explosive shells. Large
calibre guns were not directed on the Apex whilst the Battalion was
stationed there. With the high explosive projectiles was used a
percussion fuse, and these were intended more for the demolition of
works than man killing. Actually they did little damage and, except on
one occasion when a direct hit was secured in a machine gun emplacement,
no one was injured. Shrapnel was used in a different manner, and was far
more dangerous. The fuse was for time, and the range and fuse were so
harmonised that the shell burst in the air, short of and above the
target, thus allowing the bullets it contained to sweep forward and
downward, spreading out fan-like as they progressed. Many of the small
missiles thus entered the trenches, but by keeping close to the forward
wall of the excavations immunity from damage was generally secured to
the individual. Occasionally the Turk threw in a few rounds from a
mountain gun which he had secreted somewhere on the slope of Sari Bair.
These simply whizzed through the air and buried themselves in the earth
without doing any damage to either man or trench.
The 28th stood its baptism of fire well, and was more curious than
alarmed at the noise, smoke, and earth upheavals caused by the enemy's
action. Some of the men early disclosed the possession of the "souvenir"
habit by collecting specimens of the shrapnel pellets. Unfortunately
that portion of the Battalion in reserve, not being under any cover
except a slight fold in the ground, sustained a few casualties by
wounds.
Early in the morning the Brigadier paid a visit to the lines and was
indefatigable in his zeal for the safety of the position and the welfare
of his command. Throughout the short period of his stay on the Peninsula
his characteristics in this respect were most marked and, for a man of
his advanced years, the wonders he achieved in hill climbing, and the
risks he ran from enemy snipers, were a subject of frequent comment.
About noon the Battalion made the acquaintance of Sir William Birdwood,
who went through the trenches accompanied by Sir Alexander Godley and a
staff officer. His attractive personality, unassuming manner, and his
kindly and tactful inquiries, instantly earned the regard of the
newcomers. A particular incident which occurred that morning may serve
to illustrate his general attitude. He came to a Western Australian and
a New Zealander standing together. To the W.A. man he said, "Are you
28th?" Receiving an affirmative answer the General placed a hand on the
man's shoulder and remarked, "We are very glad you've come. You know
what your comrades of the 1st Division have done, and we know that, when
the time arrives, you will do the same." Then placing the other hand on
the Maori's shoulder, he concluded, "And you can show him how to do it,
can't you?"
Of a different disposition, the Divisional Commander contented himself,
during his first visit, with merely observing and asking a question here
and there. His subsequent visits were frequent and seldom welcomed by
the rank and file, who found him awe-inspiring and hypercritical. He
was, however, known to unbend and show generous appreciation of honest
effort and good work. On rare occasions he unexpectedly revealed the
possession of a sense of humour.
Other visitors came on this first day. From the 10th Light Horse, which
was located near the Sazli Beit Dere; from the 11th and 12th Battalions,
holding the line far down on the right; from the 16th Battalion,
awaiting embarkation for Lemnos Island, where they were to have a
well-earned rest; and from the 8th Battery, also with the 1st Division.
These came to see relatives and friends in order to exchange news of
home and of pals who had gone under or been wounded. With the advent of
the 2nd Division began a system of transfer of individuals of one unit
to another whereby an elder brother, say, in the 11th Battalion, could
apply for permission for a younger brother who had arrived in the, say,
28th Battalion, to join him. If the younger brother was agreeable to the
change, approval for the transfer was seldom withheld.
When the line was "quiet" the men were enabled to examine the enemy's
positions with the aid of periscopes. No signs of movement could be
discerned, but the long lines of trenches rising tier above tier on the
opposite hillsides indicated how difficult would be the task should a
further advance be ordered. The observers on Nos. 2 and 3 Posts mostly
concentrated their attention on the ground in the vicinity of the
Pinnacle. From there a sniper was taking shots at any object which
appeared above our parapets or at a loophole. Very rapid and accurate as
he was, it was soon found that a certain amount of skill was required to
camouflage and look through a periscope without having one's eyes
destroyed with broken glass. A small Union Jack, mounted on a stick less
than half an inch in diameter, was cut down at the sniper's first
attempt.
In No-man's Land, in front of the two posts mentioned, could be seen the
remains of a trench dug by the New Zealanders in their August advance.
This they had been compelled to abandon together with their dead
comrades who lay about, still unburied, rapidly decomposing in the sun
which yet retained the strength of summer. Picks, shovels, rifles and
equipment also littered the landscape. Within our own area there were
likewise grim reminders of the fight. Here and there a limb protruded
through the wall of a newly cut trench, whilst in other places a piece
of biscuit box, or a rifle stuck into the earth muzzle down, both
bearing a name written in indelible pencil, indicated the last resting
place of some fallen comrade.
From No. 4 Post the observer could look down on "The Farm." This was a
spot on the side of Chunuk Bair at the head of the Aghyl Dere, and had
formerly been cultivated. Now the Turk had commenced to entrench across
it, and was apparently working on it under cover of darkness. Beyond, to
the north, running up over the ridge (Kiretch Tepe Sirt) which bordered
the Gulf of Xeros, could be seen the whole of the line held by the 54th
Division and IX. Corps. The principal features were Hill 60 (Kaijak
Aghala), W Hills (Ismail Oglu Tepe), the village of Anafarta Sagir,
Chocolate Hill, the salt lake near Suvla Bay, and the bay itself with
the hill Lala Baba on its southern side.
The support of the Royal Navy was further manifested by the presence in
the Bay, behind the IX. Corps, of a cruiser and some smaller craft. From
one of these a sausage-shaped balloon occasionally ascended some few
hundred feet and afforded observation of the enemy's rear lines. A
glance down the ravine of the Chailak, between Bauchop's Hill and Table
Top, revealed H.M.S. "Grafton," a second class cruiser, anchored about
two miles from the shore, whose 9.2 and 6-inch guns supplied a powerful
backing to the weak artillery of the Anzac Corps.
September 14th did not pass without loss. That morning witnessed the
deaths of Sergt. F. W. Ball and two other members as the result of
shrapnel fire. Later in the day another member succumbed to wounds.
Snipers also levied their toll of those moving about where the reserve
was situated. In consequence of this a move was made to a more sheltered
quarter and the unsafe dugouts were evacuated. On the 16th there were
two further fatal casualties.
During the next two days the men became more accustomed to their life
and surroundings. Those in the front trench had by far the easier time.
Those in support had to handle the pick and shovel in the works for the
improvement of the position. Digging was hard. The conglomerate-like
composition of the soil resisted the shovels and turned the points of
the picks. Recourse was had to the Navy, who supplied a small forge for
the sharpening of the latter. Thus to other noises was added that of the
hammer on anvil. The reserves were utilised by the Brigade and Division
for works in rear of the position. The demands of the Engineers seemed
never ending and were often in excess of the number of men available.
This caused considerable confusion and irritation followed by requests
from the Division for explanations as to labour not being forthcoming.
These requests had usually to be met by lengthy and involved "returns"
which very few people understood and which served no useful purpose
except to temporarily alleviate the strain. As a rule the exasperating
situation was restored next day. Nor was the necessity for the work at
first apparent to the men. They thought they came to fight with the
bullet and bayonet only. But enlightenment came and one experienced
miner voiced it, after a solid week on excavating, when he said "I have
just discovered I have been a blanky soldier all my life."
[Illustration: VIEW FROM BABY 700.
Showing Suvla Bay, the Salt Lake, the Plain, and the distant hills
bordering the Gulf of Xeros. The mouth of the Chailak Dere is opposite
to the hulk on the beach.
_Official Photo. No. G. 1998. Copyright by Australian War Museum._]
Long hours of hard work usually induce sound sleep at night, but with
the platoons in support this happy condition was difficult to achieve. A
few had "bivies" excavated in the walls of the trenches, but most men
had only the floor of the trench upon which to lie. Here, clothed in
their overcoats and wrapped in their single blankets, they
slumbered--only to be rudely awakened now and then by the pressure on
some part of their anatomy of the feet of a passenger to or from the
front line. On dark nights careless senior officers when going their
rounds were treated to loud and homely descriptions of themselves which
in daylight and cold blood would scarcely even have been whispered to a
comrade. In the front trench, where the garrison was relieved by the
supports every 24 hours, sleep was, theoretically, not to be thought of.
However, the normal man felt that at some time during the 24 hours it
was good to close his tired eyes--if only for a few minutes. After all,
a seat on a sandbag, and a good solid wall against which to rest one's
back, did give a little comfort. The officer in making his tour of
inspection would ask a question here and there and occasionally mount
the firestep and talk with the sentry. Usually the noise of his approach
was sufficient to ensure alertness on his entering a bay that was
manned, but, now and then, stertorous breathing and the attitude of the
sentry, as revealed by his silhouette against the light of the moon or
stars, would indicate that the flesh had momentarily vanquished the
spirit. The touch of a hand was sufficient to restore wakefulness.
Apropos of this, a senior officer, rather irritable at the moment, once
touched an apparently sleeping sentry on the knee, at the same time
asking the question "Look here! Are you asleep?" He was rather
confounded at receiving the undoubtedly truthful answer "No, Sir."
At 4.30 p.m. on the 18th September, the Turks suddenly commenced a heavy
bombardment of the position and back areas. Shrapnel and high explosive
were supported by rifle and machine-gun fire at a rapid rate. A glance
in the direction of Suvla revealed a sight resembling an exhibition of
gigantic chrysanthemums--the white smoke of bursting shrapnel, before
dissipating, closely resembling that flower in form. Here and there
columns of black smoke and earth would suddenly spring into existence
indicating the arrival and explosion of large calibre shells. Everything
pointed to some important move on the part of the enemy. Orders were
instantly given for the garrison to "stand to" and the reserves to move
up in close support. These orders were obeyed with alacrity. All ranks
were eager and the answer to the oft-repeated question, "What are we
here for?" seemed to be at hand. Rifles and revolvers were loaded,
grenades served out, and the New Zealanders manned their machine guns.
Within a minute or two of the opening of the bombardment our own guns
commenced to reply on the enemy trenches. For a time the noise was
deafening--a regular babel of sounds through which, in spite of the
crashing of shells, could be distinguished the tapping of machine guns
and the swishing of bullets in flight. However, the enemy stuck to
cover. Whether or not he intended to make a demonstration only is not
clear, but information received later from Suvla showed that a few
officers had jumped on to the parapet and waved their swords in the
apparent vain attempt to lead their men, who, whilst shouting loudly,
were reluctant to leave the safety of the earthworks. In half an hour
the firing died down, and normal conditions were resumed. The Battalion
had suffered no casualties and had demonstrated its steadiness under
sustained fire.
On Sunday, 19th September, a party consisting of one officer from each
battalion of the Brigade made a tour of inspection of the Lone Pine
position and the trenches running down to Chatham's Post on the extreme
right. Additional parties went on the 21st and 23rd. These tours were
arranged for instructional purposes, and were valuable aids to acquiring
a knowledge of trench warfare methods. Further, they gave the
participants many ideas on the use that could be made of ground and of
the wonders performed by the troops who made the original landing on
25th April.
At dusk the Maoris assembled just below the Apex. Divine service was
conducted by their own chaplain in the Maori tongue, but in accordance
with the Church of England liturgy and with the orthodox intoning. The
scene was an impressive one, and will not easily be forgotten by those
who witnessed it. Other gatherings for worship were held when
circumstances permitted, but, as a rule, senior officers objected to
their men gathering in numbers when so few spots in the limited area
behind the lines were not exposed to shell fire. Chaplains, therefore,
had to visit the individual members of their flocks wherever they could
find them. This meant much hill climbing and the running of considerable
risk from gun and rifle fire. Many a padre acquired great merit by his
unselfishness and disregard of danger. Should casualties have occurred
during the day, small knots of people might be seen at night down near
the beach, or on some other exposed slope, reverently interring a
comrade who had fallen. Here the padres performed the last offices for
the dead.
Early in the morning of the 20th occurred one of those incidents which
have often been narrated but seldom authenticated. Private G. J. Owen,
whilst standing on the firestep observing, felt a blow on the chest. On
an examination of his clothing it was found that a bullet had penetrated
his greatcoat and jacket, and also a wallet in his jacket pocket, and
finally spent itself in the centre of a small Bible that he was in the
habit of carrying with him. Owen was quite uninjured and has, since his
return to Australia, published his own story.
This day the Pinnacle was heavily shelled by our 6-inch howitzers in an
attempt to demolish the Blockhouse and a small redoubt behind it. Both
works were looked upon as serious obstacles to possible future
operations locally.
"C" Company having been in the line for seven days, was relieved by "B"
Company and moved into a reserve position. The following evening "A"
Company similarly relieved "D" Company.
On the 21st September two enemy shells accounted for five of the Western
Australians. This day Sir Ian Hamilton visited the Brigade, but as the
climb was steep, and the sun hot, he did not ascend to the Apex. In his
"Gallipoli Diary" he thus records his impressions--"saw the new
Australian Division--very fine fellows. Bullets were on the whistle and
'the boys' were as keen and happy as any real schoolboys. Memories of
the Khyber, Chitral and Tirah can hardly yield samples of a country so
tangled and broken. Where the Turks begin and we end is a puzzler, and
if you do happen to take a wrong turning, it leads to Paradise. Met
various Australian friends--a full blown Lord Mayor--many other leading
citizens, both of Melbourne and Sydney."
The next day brought trouble for the Battalion, the enemy's shrapnel
killing three and wounding 10 or 11. Sergt. J. Hodgson was also fatally
shot through the chest by a bullet, which entered the trench through a
crevice near a loophole. Most of these casualties were suffered by "D"
Company in reserve, and as the whole of the upper part of the Dere now
seemed to be searched by the Turkish fire, the reserve company was moved
lower down to ground in the vicinity of that occupied by the 27th
Battalion. During the first days, a good deal of this fire was attracted
by the men, in disregard of repeated orders, foolishly exposing
themselves on the open spaces. At that time they had little knowledge of
distances, of the searching effect of shrapnel and machine gun fire, or
of the powers of observation possessed by the enemy. Moving about in
their blue cardigans--their khaki jackets being discarded when not in
the trenches--they afforded an easily distinguishable mark for the
hostile gunner. Later on wisdom, born of experience, preserved many
lives or limbs. Before leaving Egypt, the Brigadier had said, in a
manner that caused his audience some grim amusement, "No one doubts your
bravery, but you should not take unnecessary risks. If you do, you may
only get wounded and thus become a heavy expense to the Government."
About this period, the Corps Commander directed the commencement of
tunnelling operations at the Apex. It was intended to drive under the
enemy's works and, when the time was ripe, blow them and their occupants
into the air. As the 28th had many miners in its ranks, it was asked to
supply the labour which would be applied under the direction of the
Engineers. Lance-Sergeant E. A. Arundel, who had been a mine manager on
the Goldfields, was placed in charge of the party. The work was carried
on for many weeks before the party was relieved. Eventually, a mine was
blown here on the night of the final evacuation by the Australians.
The 22nd September also saw the return of Lieut. Davey's platoon from
Canterbury Slope, it having been replaced by one from the 25th
Battalion.
Next day the Battalion was interested in the arrival of the first
specimen of the "broomstick" bomb. No casualties resulted. Some activity
developed on the left of the IX. Corps front, where an artillery duel
continued for some time. The warships in the Bay joined in but
eventually the gunfire died down. Outbursts of firing would frequently
occur at night in the neighbourhood of Hill 60 and beyond. These could
be heard and witnessed from the Apex and it was generally understood
that the British were endeavouring to improve their ground or positions
by sapping forward. Occasionally a naval searchlight would illuminate
the area. At other times flares, made of oakum soaked in petrol and
secured to wooden contrivances, would be thrown out into No-Man's
Land--there, for a time, to burn merrily. Pistol flares were then only
just making their appearance and very few had been issued.
4.40 a.m. of the 24th September witnessed the Battalion in a state of
expectancy. Brigade headquarters had sent warning that an attack might
be expected. Beyond, however, several bombs falling harmlessly near the
bivouacs nothing happened. At 8 o'clock that night a demonstration was
made by the troops on the right. These consisted of the 1st and 2nd
Australian Divisions. The 3rd Light Horse Brigade joined in and for half
an hour a very brisk fire from guns, rifles, and machine guns was kept
up. These demonstrations were made for the twofold object of harassing
the enemy and compelling him to disclose his dispositions. They seldom
achieved the latter.
After "C" and "D" Companies were relieved an attempt was made to gain
further knowledge of No-Man's Land and the enemy's works and movements
at night. Patrolling was the only means available and as the distance
between the opposing trenches was, at this point, so small the
undertaking was extremely hazardous and needed the exercise of great
caution. Lieut. A. H. Davey took out the first patrol which, going out
from No. 4 Post, crawled amongst the dead and _debris_ towards the
Pinnacle. It returned 30 or 40 minutes later without having been
observed and without information of any special value. On its return
journey it collected the identity discs from some of the unburied
bodies. Subsequent patrols had little better luck. The enemy seemed, on
his part, to be quite content to stick to his cover and to run no risk
by appearing on the open ground. Our patrols, however, also did other
work. They salvaged a considerable quantity of rifles, tools, and
equipment. These articles were collected and sent down to the base on
the beach. Turkish rifles were almost as valuable as our own, as the
same pattern was in use by the Belgians, and any captured or recovered
were intended for their use. A later Corps Order commented favourably on
the work done by the 28th in this respect. As patrols could not move in
any force without attracting unwelcome attention, three or four men,
including an officer, were sufficient for the purpose in view. Rifles
being inconvenient to carry when crawling, the party was usually armed
only with revolvers and a couple of Mills grenades. Further patrolling
was done each night down a long sap connecting the left of No. 4 Post
with the 27th Battalion on Cheshire Ridge. Also from the right of No. 1
Post in order to keep in touch with the Light Horse on Rhododendron Spur
pending the completion of the communication trench.
In such broken ground it was not impossible for a man to lose contact
with the other members of a patrol. It is on record that one individual,
having lost his way, was observed approaching our trench. Seeing a head
and shoulders suddenly appear through the bushes in front of him, the
sentry was about to fire, but, being restrained by an officer,
challenged instead and exclaimed in a voice full of intent, "Speak! Who
are you?" The stray, whose position between the two lines was not an
enviable one, replied hurriedly, "Private William M----, of Subiaco,
Western Australia." "Come in, you ruddy fool," rejoined the
disappointed sentry. But M----'s luck was still out, for, in
endeavouring to respond to the invitation, he got foul of the wire
entanglements and crashed heavily to the ground. There he lay for some
time until eventually he was dragged in by his comrades.
In country of the nature mentioned the most careful arrangements and
fullest exchange of information between neighbouring units, when the
sending out of patrols was contemplated, was of vital importance.
Through the neglect of these measures collisions, resulting in
casualties, occurred on two occasions between patrols and the men in the
front line trenches.
On the 25th September Captain Montgomery's party rejoined from the
Beach.
On this day, and on the 27th, the Turk showered quite a considerable
number of the broomstick bombs into the position. A few casualties
resulted. Our artillery were telephoned and retaliated with 6-inch
howitzer and 18-pounder shells. The arrival and powerful burst of the
former missiles were received with cheers by the harassed garrison, and
the enemy soon desisted. There was a strong back blast from our heavier
projectiles and a few men, some distance down the Dere, were struck by
splinters. As there was some uncertainty as to the exact daily error of
our guns, it was, on occasions, necessary to thin the front line
garrisons in order to guard against a shell falling short. One man,
engaged cleaning up the trench which led down to the 27th Battalion, was
buried to the neck as a result of a naval shell landing a few feet
behind him and driving in the wall of the excavation. Fortunately he was
able to call out and was quickly released.
The 26th and 27th were days selected for inter-company reliefs. "C" and
"D" Companies went back into the line.
As it was believed that the morale of the enemy had been lowered
considerably by the heavy losses he had sustained, attempts were made to
induce him to desert. One of the means adopted was propaganda
literature--in Turkish and Arabic--which was attached to "dud" grenades
and propelled into the enemy area. It is not known whether this method
had any success, but the infantry sent along a story--told at the
expense of another arm of the service--that one man did come in and
surrendered himself to the commanding officer's cook, whom he had to
awaken.
Enemy espionage was suspected and a native barber, who used to wander
around the support and reserve areas, came under surveillance. He
disappeared, and his ultimate fate is unknown, but rumour had it that
the Light Horse had "given him a start over the parapet."