World War, 1914-1918 -- Campaigns -- Turkey -- Gallipoli Peninsula
The steep cliffs on either side of the gully are honeycombed with
dugouts, each with a little light shining, and in the declining light,
with the moon hanging overhead, shining on the sea, it is a very
beautiful sight. We had a topping ride back along the road on the edge
of the cliff overlooking the calm sea, lit up by silver moonlight. We
could see quite plainly enough to canter, and cantering by moonlight
in such beautiful surroundings is a unique pleasure.
_June 24th._
To-day has been very hot and arid, very fine, and the sea dead calm,
but artillery duels have been going on all day.
As the French were so successful in their last battle, having captured
those trenches and the Haricot Redoubt on their left, thereby
straightening and shortening our line, I think there is going to
be another general attack for the hill to-morrow, preceded by an
exceptionally heavy bombardment. If successful, then the danger of
asphyxiating gas attack for the present is over.
Went up to Brigade H.Q. with Phillips. Beautiful moonlight, and all
quiet on front. Had a nice gallop back on West Krithia road, but my
mare nearly ran away with me; a bit dangerous going, as there were so
many shell-holes about. Pink Farm and West Krithia road get so badly
dusted with shrapnel all day and every day now, that I usually go up by
night or early morning to H.Q.
_June 25th._
It is now exactly two months since we landed. Turkish artillery has
been fairly active to-day. It has been very hot, but a beautiful day,
and is now a most beautiful night, with the sea dead calm. We are
having some nice bathing. The fly pest is worse than ever, and is
frightfully worrying. The attack is not to come off to-morrow, after
all, but Sunday.
To-day the _Lord Nelson_, escorted by destroyers, went up the West
Coast and bombarded some target behind Achi Baba. Shortly after, a
column of smoke arose behind the hill, and evidently the _Lord Nelson_
has made good practice. She was shelled by a Turkish field battery, but
only two shells burst immediately over her, and hardly did any damage.
_June 26th._
I rose at 5.30 a.m. and, getting my mare saddled, rode over to the
other side of the beach and woke up Butler, the Quartermaster of the
Worcesters, who had promised to give me what he called “a personally
conducted Cook’s Tour to the first-line trenches.” We had some hot tea
and biscuits and a tot of rum, and then we mounted and started off. My
mare was full of the joy of life and very fresh.
As we went over the crest on to the West Coast road, mist was hanging
low on the cliffs and at the foot of Achi Baba. Above, the sky was
cloudless. The words of Omar came to mind—
Awake, for Morning in the bowl of Night
Has flung the Stone that puts the Stars to flight.
I wish the stone would put the Turks to flight.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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