World War, 1914-1918 -- Campaigns -- Turkey -- Gallipoli Peninsula
This is a fine harbour, very broad, and there are quite a hundred ships
here, including the Fleet and transports, amongst which are some of
our best liners. I had to go to a horse-boat lying in the mouth of the
harbour two mornings ago and took two non-commissioned officers and a
crew of twelve men. We got there all right, a row of two and a half
miles, but the sea was so heavy that it was impossible to row back. I
had to return, and fortunately managed to get taken back in a pinnace
that happened to call; but the rest had to remain on board till the
next day, and then took three hours to row back. This gives us an idea
of the difficult task our landing will be at Gallipoli. For a time we
were moored alongside the boat on which was the Headquarters of the
88th Brigade, and it was cheering to be able to walk to and fro between
the two ships and to see all my pals of the Hampshires.
The Hampshires and the Worcesters spend the day marching, with full
kit on, round the deck to the cheery strains of popular airs played
by a talented Tommy. The effect, with the regular tramp, is very
exhilarating.
Later, I am ordered to join another ship, the _Dongola_, in which are
the Essex and the Royal Scots, the other regiments of my Brigade. Two
Essex officers were staying in the “Warwick Arms” with me, and it was
good seeing them again. The harbour at night is a fine sight. A moon is
shining and not a cloud in the sky, and the temperature about 50°.
The last few days, however, have been wet and drizzling, just like a
typical day in June in England when one has been invited to a garden
party.
One can see the outline of the low irregular hills on shore, and the
ships are constantly signalling to one another, silently sending
orders, planning and arranging for the great adventure.
Have to go up to the signalling deck above the bridge to take a message
flashed from a tiny little “Tinker Bell” light away on our starboard.
The sight is wonderful. Busy little dot-dash flashes all around the
harbour. How the signallers find out which is which beats me.
The view of the hills in the background contrasts strangely with the
scenes of modern science and ingenuity afloat.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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