World War, 1914-1918 -- Campaigns -- Turkey -- Gallipoli Peninsula
I believe in after-years the name of Kitchener will be wreathed in a
blaze of glory that will dim the lustre of all other famous names in
our history. Not only will we beat the enemy with the splendid troops
his genius has created, but if his spirit still endures in the nation
after the war, we shall defy the world for all time, and in that way
form an impregnable barrier to the mad ambitions of other States.
_July 30th._
Ride my new horse to-day along to the gully (nullah) and see
Brigadier-General Cayley. Awfully pretty at the gully, with cliffs
honeycombed with H.Q. and terraces leading to them. Brigade now almost
up to full strength again, and Tommies enjoying bathing and domestic
duties. Tommy is a most lovable animal sometimes. Met Panton, who
is now D.A.D.M.S. to Division. He was wounded in the leg in May, but
is now quite fit. Talked of those early days. Also see Fulford again.
Come along top road on cliff with Major O’Hara and Major Collier as far
as “X” Beach, when we ride down and finish the ride back to “W” Beach
walking along the lower road, for much traffic was passing and going.
Heavy shelling on “W” Beach from high explosive gun on Achi, but most
burst into the sea. Plenty of fire to-day.
[Illustration: COAST LINE, CAPE HELLES.]
[Illustration: A VIEW OF THE GULLY, CAPE HELLES, LOOKING TOWARDS THE
ENEMY LINES.]
I think the 13th Division are going to attempt a landing up the coast
soon, but news is very scarce. Whatever is on is being kept very
secret. Hear that about five enemy submarines have been caught out here
in nets stretched between two drifters, and blown up on contact. Only a
rumour though. The Navy keep very “mum” about these things. I think one
submarine has actually been brought into Malta.
Aeroplane falls into the sea; pilot and observer safe, and both picked
up. It glided down beautifully.
I learn that a French ship was torpedoed while I was away, but none of
the crew was drowned, and ship was empty of supplies.
Findlay-Smith came to dinner. Awfully amusing hearing him grousing
about the shelling, just as he used to grouse in the old days about
such a thing as a train being held up between Clapham Junction and
Waterloo. It is topping dining in our “bivvy” listening to the gentle
wash of the waves, and after dinner enjoying the view of the sun
setting behind Imbros, while we smoke and have coffee. Guns from Asia
seem to have been silenced. Cannot see any signs of life on the plain
of Troy, which looks pretty peaceful meadow land! Can see it in detail
from here. They must have observing stations there, and see all that we
are doing, and hence the shelling of “W” Beach.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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