Gallipoli Diary

The Diary

Sandy's war, in his own words

Sandy Mulligan volunteered with a few days of the outbreak of World War 1. His service record indicates his service began on August 10, 1914. In April 1915 he was amongst the New Zealand troops who landed at Gallipoli in the Dardenelles. He was there until evacuated in December 1915.

He kept a diary from the time he enlisted until he was evacuated from Gallipoli. The entries are published below on their centenary.

Unfortunately there is a gap in his diary from 5 December 1914 until 9 April 1915 during which there are no entries. It does not appear they are simply "missing".

18 August, 1914

Left Invercargill for Dunedin, eleven all told by the 1.35 express. Arrived Dunedin 9 pm - slept at a hotel.

[Left Invercargill for Dunedin, eleven all told by the 1.35 express. Arrived Dunedin 9 pm - slept at a hotel.]

20 August, 1914

Received word that Jean had died.

[Received word that Jean [Mulligan, nee Forrester] had died. NB: Jean Mulligan was Sandy's sister-in-law, the wife of his oldest brother Francis Humphrys Mulligan.]

22 August, 1914

Arrived in Wellington: boat trip good. Received news on the wharf that In'gill boys were to go to Awapuni Camp. Sgt Major Sandam took us all to breakfast (very good): went to stores for boots. Concentrated at Thorndon Station 11 am. Left 11.15 am. Arrived Palmerston North 3 pm. Nobody there to meet us, took a car to the camp. Left Cpl Buckles[?], Broad, Frank Bath who arrived in camp sometime that night.

Arriving in camp, went to the Canterbury Mtd[?] Ambulance to inquire our position and found out that that they did not know anything about us. Pushed into a tent at 7 o'clock that night but not attached to them.

Next morning up before the Major for having a disorderly tent.

After a good deal of trouble we were split up. Buckles, Broad, Rowlings[?] attached to Wellington Infantry, Webb and Bath attached to Engineers.

[Arrived in Wellington: boat trip good. Received news on the wharf that In'gill boys were to go to Awapuni Camp. Sgt Major Sandam took us all to breakfast (very good): went to stores for boots. Concentrated at Thorndon Station 11 am. Left 11.15 am. Arrived Palmerston North 3 pm. Nobody there to meet us, took a car to the camp. Left Cpl Buckles[?], Broad, Frank Bath who arrived in camp sometime that night.

Next morning up before the Major for having a disorderly tent.

After a good deal of trouble we were split up. Buckles, Broad, Rowlings[?] attached to Wellington Infantry, Webb and Bath attached to Engineers.]

20 September, 1914 (Sunday)

At 5 pm received word that I was attached to the Artillery.

[At 5 pm received word that I was attached to the Artillery.]

21 September, 1914

Left Awapuni 6.30 am in charge of baggage. After lying on wharf all day, got on Arawa at night, no leave. Pretty awful bunks, good hospital and dispensary. Shifted my bunk up to the hospital - top bunk, first rate.

Also on board Buckles, Broad, Bastings, Perrin and Johnston.

[Left Awapuni 6.30 am in charge of baggage. After lying on wharf all day, got on Arawa at night, no leave. Pretty awful bunks, good hospital and dispensary. Shifted my bunk up to the hospital - top bunk, first rate.]

[Also on board Buckles, Broad, Bastings, Perrin and Johnston.]

10 October, 1914

Review of all the Exp. Force.

[Review of all the Exp. Force.]

13 October, 1914

Battery came back to the boat.

[Battery came back to the boat.]

16 October, 1914

Left Wellington.

Position of boats:
Iwo M in front
Ibuke [sic Ibuki] - Minotaur
Maunganui - Hawkeby [sic: Hawkes Bay] - Star [of] India
Limerick - Tahiti
Arawa - Athenic - Orari
Ruapehu - Waimona [sic: Waimana]
Philomel - Psyche [These last two not listed in the newspaper articles at the time]

The tug Duchess lying at the heads gave us a good cheerings [sic]. Good trip to Hobart, Jim and Keith seasick. Mac not bad, the boy alright.

[Left Wellington.

The tug Duchess lying at the heads gave us a good cheerings [sic]. Good trip to Hobart, Jim and Keith seasick. Mac not bad, the boy alright.]

21 October, 1914

Arrived Hobart 10 am. Splendid approach. Anchored in the stream, swimming in the afternoon. Went into wharf next morning [dis]embarked and went for a route march. Not much impressed with the place. Back to the boat and then out to stream and anchored.

[Arrived Hobart 10 am. Splendid approach. Anchored in the stream, swimming in the afternoon. Went into wharf next morning [dis]embarked and went for a route march. Not much impressed with the place. Back to the boat and then out to stream and anchored.]

22 October, 1914

Left Hobart this morning, 22.10.14 ... for good [sic] knows where. [Dates adrift here] First night out struck a fog. Whistles and rockets going all night.

[Left Hobart this morning, 22.10.14 ... for good [sic] knows where. [Dates adrift here] First night out struck a fog. Whistles and rockets going all night.]

25-6 October, 1914

Overnight young Gilchrist died. Buried at sea 26th.

[Overnight young Gilchrist died. Buried at sea 26th.]

27 October, 1914

Wet and miserable day.

[Wet and miserable day.]

28 October, 1914

Arrived in Albany 11.30 am. Beautiful morning. All Australian transports were there waiting for us, about 28 and 10 NZ. Not much of an appearance from the outer harbour but believe it is very nice. There four days.

[Arrived in Albany 11.30 am. Beautiful morning. All Australian transports were there waiting for us, about 28 and 10 NZ. Not much of an appearance from the outer harbour but believe it is very nice. There four days.]

1 November, 1914

Australian boats started at 6 am. Last boat left 9.15 am, sailing SW.

[Australian boats started at 6 am. Last boat left 9.15 am, sailing SW.]

4 November, 1914

Operation on Maunganui for appendicitis.

[Operation on Maunganui for appendicitis.]

5 November, 1914

Mail boat Osterly passed us on the way to Colombo.

[Mail boat Osterly passed us on the way to Colombo.]

6 November, 1914

No. 9 pulled out [of] line, also Maunganui, some trouble on No. 9 Hawke Bay.

[No. 9 pulled out [of] line, also Maunganui, some trouble on No. 9 Hawke Bay.]

7 November, 1914

Nothing happened.

[Nothing happened.]

8 November, 1914

Minotaur passed back through the lines, exchanged words with the Melbourne who afterwards to charge [sic]. Minotaur left us we thought for the Falkland Islands.

[Minotaur passed back through the lines, exchanged words with the Melbourne who afterwards to charge [sic]. Minotaur left us we thought for the Falkland Islands.]

9 November, 1914

Sydney left us and steamed full speed to the left. Melbourne and Jap [?] followed: time 8 am. received word that Sydney had engaged and beached Emden on Cocos Island at 11 am. Arawa supposed to have received the SOS from wireless operator at Cocos.

Same night attended an operation for appendicitis, was most interesting.

[Sydney left us and steamed full speed to the left. Melbourne and Jap [?] followed: time 8 am. received word that Sydney had engaged and beached Emden on Cocos Island at 11 am. Arawa supposed to have received the SOS from wireless operator at Cocos.

Same night attended an operation for appendicitis, was most interesting.]

10 November, 1914

Neptune Day. Great fun for a while then 4 pm Lieut. Webb jumped in tank, broke his neck, that day ended very badly.

Nothing very much happened till...

[Neptune Day. Great fun for a while then 4 pm Lieut. Webb jumped in tank, broke his neck, that day ended very badly.

Nothing very much happened till...]

15 November, 1914

This day arrived Colombo. Very impressed with this place.

[This day arrived Colombo. Very impressed with this place.]

17 November, 1914

Went ashore in the afternoon, had a good look around, first rate too.

Left Lieut. Webb here. Took prisoners on board here. Left same day for Aden. Nothing to relate: only 19th received word that Dr Webb had died; had a memorial service.

[Went ashore in the afternoon, had a good look around, first rate too.]

[Left Lieut. Webb here. Took prisoners on board here. Left same day for Aden. Nothing to relate: only 19th received word that Dr Webb had died; had a memorial service.]

25 November, 1914

Arrived Aden. Naval station. Did not go ashore, nothing to see but desert.

[Arrived Aden. Naval station. Did not go ashore, nothing to see but desert.]

26 November, 1914

Left [Aden], entered Red Sea about 4 pm. Very narrow passage, fort on point.

[Left [Aden], entered Red Sea about 4 pm. Very narrow passage, fort on point.]

30 November, 1914

Arrived Suez. Very clean-looking place. Took searchlight aboard here. Exchanged prisoner from Arawa on to Hampshire. Left same day for Port Said.

Exciting trip up the Canal, marvellous piece of work, very narrow. Troop[s] all the way up, Gurkhas and Tommies, got a very good hearing from them, expected some trouble here, had gun set in position on top deck, also machine guns, nothing happened.

[Arrived Suez. Very clean-looking place. Took searchlight aboard here. Exchanged prisoner from Arawa on to Hampshire. Left same day for Port Said.]

[Exciting trip up the Canal, marvellous piece of work, very narrow. Troop[s] all the way up, Gurkhas and Tommies, got a very good hearing from them, expected some trouble here, had gun set in position on top deck, also machine guns, nothing happened.]

1 December, 1914

Arrived in Port Said 1 am. First thing I remember was an awful howling alongside the ship. Turned out to be natives on coal hulks waiting to coal ships. They make an awful, weird noise, however they got a bad time for keeping the boys awake - rotten potatoes galore, they soon shut up. Saw here the wonderful way these natives coal the big liners, quite good.

Left 4 pm for Alexandria without escort but nothing happened.

[Arrived in Port Said 1 am. First thing I remember was an awful howling alongside the ship. Turned out to be natives on coal hulks waiting to coal ships. They make an awful, weird noise, however they got a bad time for keeping the boys awake - rotten potatoes galore, they soon shut up. Saw here the wonderful way these natives coal the big liners, quite good.]

[Left 4 pm for Alexandria without escort but nothing happened.]

2 December, 1914

Arrived 8 am. This is an enormous place: never seen so many ships before. Dozens of German prizes, grand harbour, spent three days here. Up the [indecipherable] two or three times. Here is where I see my first sight of [?] living, all sorts of classes, French, Russian, Italian, all sorts, very surprised.

[Arrived 8 am. This is an enormous place: never seen so many ships before. Dozens of German prizes, grand harbour, spent three days here. Up the [indecipherable] two or three times. Here is where I see my first sight of [?] living, all sorts of classes, French, Russian, Italian, all sorts, very surprised.]

5 December, 1914

Left for Cairo, good train journey, surprised, nature of country, very fertile where irrigated, saw all sorts of Biblical sights here. Arrived Cairo same day then onto Zeitoun.

Arrived late at night, marched to the camp (1 mile), hot coffee and bread and cheese, back to station for kits, had to carry them to camp, slept in the open that night, very cold, had attack of sand colic next day. It is here that I left one of the finest men I ever met, Dr Horne, a white man. I would have very much liked to stop with him, I could do anything for him.

[Left for Cairo, good train journey, surprised, nature of country, very fertile where irrigated, saw all sorts of Biblical sights here. Arrived Cairo same day then onto Zeitoun.]

[Arrived late at night, marched to the camp (1 mile), hot coffee and bread and cheese, back to station for kits, had to carry them to camp, slept in the open that night, very cold, had attack of sand colic next day. It is here that I left one of the finest men I ever met, Dr Horne, a white man. I would have very much liked to stop with him, I could do anything for him.]

9 April, 1915

Left Zeitoun at 9.15 pm. I rode one of the Colonel's horses to Cairo, about 8 miles, not bad, arrived station 11.30 pm, was put on guard at station for 2 hours, then in charge of carriage

[Left Zeitoun at 9.15 pm. I rode one of the Colonel's horses to Cairo, about 8 miles, not bad, arrived station 11.30 pm, was put on guard at station for 2 hours, then in charge of carriage]

10 April, 1915

Left station 2 am. Slept some of the way to Alexandria, arrived there 7 am, very tired. Boarded an old tramp and got away about 4 pm, making for somewhere. Very good trip, funny ship, sleeping in one of the holes on hard floor, hard case of hospital and dispensary doctor sleeping there, food very bad. Did not or could not get [good enough] with the steward to get [much?] grub out of hime [paper blotched] although at times had a little of the leavings - wasn't bad. Food getting better. 320 horses, 250 men on board.

[Left station 2 am. Slept some of the way to Alexandria, arrived there 7 am, very tired. Boarded an old tramp and got away about 4 pm, making for somewhere. Very good trip, funny ship, sleeping in one of the holes on hard floor, hard case of hospital and dispensary doctor sleeping there, food very bad. Did not or could not get [good enough] with the steward to get [much?] grub out of hime [paper blotched] although at times had a little of the leavings - wasn't bad. Food getting better. 320 horses, 250 men on board.]

13 April, 1915

Arrived Lemnos 7.30am. Beautiful harbour, full of warships and troopships, about 200, Torpedo net across the entrance. We took up our anchorage just behind it so had a good view of all the ships coming and going. We all delighted to see the Queen Elizabeth - she is a monitor - and many other warships we have read about.After a few days there I had to take a man ashore to hospital. We had a decent row from 7 am to 12.30 am. It got very quiet here.Here also we see a balloon ship with one aboard and also seaplanes in the air and on ship. They are certainly wonderful things: they alight alongside the boat and are lifted up by cranes. A fair amount of interesting things happened here.

[Arrived Lemnos 7.30am. Beautiful harbour, full of warships and troopships, about 200, Torpedo net across the entrance. We took up our anchorage just behind it so had a good view of all the ships coming and going. We all delighted to see the Queen Elizabeth - she is a monitor - and many other warships we have read about.After a few days there I had to take a man ashore to hospital. We had a decent row from 7 am to 12.30 am. It got very quiet here.Here also we see a balloon ship with one aboard and also seaplanes in the air and on ship. They are certainly wonderful things: they alight alongside the boat and are lifted up by cranes. A fair amount of interesting things happened here.]

25 April, 1915

Left at 9 am. Saw the Turkish land first about 11 am. It turned out to be the entrance to the Dardanelles. All the way up the coast the warships were bombarding the coast. Arrived off the A & NZ Cove about 2 pm. Some of our boys had then landed. Warships bombarding heavily, seaplanes flying overhead and giving enemy's position to warships. Our boys making good headway. Observation balloon also up: one hears nothing else but machine guns and rifles and big guns.

[Left at 9 am. Saw the Turkish land first about 11 am. It turned out to be the entrance to the Dardanelles. All the way up the coast the warships were bombarding the coast. Arrived off the A & NZ Cove about 2 pm. Some of our boys had then landed. Warships bombarding heavily, seaplanes flying overhead and giving enemy's position to warships. Our boys making good headway. Observation balloon also up: one hears nothing else but machine guns and rifles and big guns.]

26 April, 1915

Slept in all clothes. The others expected to be called any moment - I am to go off last thing. Everything much the same. Still more troops landing, all on board ship yet. Our howitzer landed and doing good work. About 50 or 60 troop ships here. Australian and New Zealand Divisions engaged here: English and French and Indian lower down.

[Slept in all clothes. The others expected to be called any moment - I am to go off last thing. Everything much the same. Still more troops landing, all on board ship yet. Our howitzer landed and doing good work. About 50 or 60 troop ships here. Australian and New Zealand Divisions engaged here: English and French and Indian lower down.]

27 April, 1915

Beautiful morning. Battle still raging. Men not off boat yet. Turk's shells coming very near to us, had to move out further. The boys still making good headway, shrapnel seems to be giving a good deal of trouble, wounded men seen on boat[s] around us. I hear that snipers are doing a great deal of the damage. From here one doesn't see how our men are to advance against such odds, yet reports seem to say they have. Hills heavily wooded with shrub [scrub?] - good country to defend.

28 April, 1915

We are at last for it. Medical Orderlies all called ashore, don't know what duties. Capt Jory [?], Mac, Keith, George and the Boy. Got a load like a pack horse and a fairly heavy fight on.

Embarked on HMS Chilmer, Torpedo Destroyer, and had a cruise around, picking up men at different ships, 16 ships all told, a nice afternoon. Destroyer built 1905 speed 25 knots been in the Dardanelles up till now. Was alongside Ocean and Invincible when they were sunk. This boat saved 500 from those two boats, had also her side blown in.

Well, arrived on shore 8 pm. A few stray bullets falling around boat, otherwise very calm, took us seven hours. Was introduced to a dug-out that night. Privates and I together. Got pulled out 1.30, expected a charge by Turks, helped to pull some guns along the beach, false alarm, nothing happened.

Wet and cold night.Walked about the most of the night, had a good look around.

[We are at last for it. Medical Orderlies all called ashore, don't know what duties. Capt Jory [?], Mac, Keith, George and the Boy. Got a load like a pack horse and a fairly heavy fight on.

Wet and cold night.Walked about the most of the night, had a good look around.]

29 April, 1915

After daybreak it was a case of ducking the head. Our boys just arrived from the trenches. 10 am George Myers slightly wounded. 3 pm Frank Ayling killed - shot through the head. Jumped out of his trench and a sniper got him.

I went up to the trenches, didn't stop long, no good to me, soon got out of that.

[After daybreak it was a case of ducking the head. Our boys just arrived from the trenches. 10 am George Myers slightly wounded. 3 pm Frank Ayling killed - shot through the head. Jumped out of his trench and a sniper got him.

I went up to the trenches, didn't stop long, no good to me, soon got out of that.]

30 April, 1915

Had a good night's sleep. Speaking to Dick Chilman, F Whitaker, also Arthur Smith and Bert Stead. 1st Battery landed, Mac on water duty 8 pm til 4 am. Keith joined his Battery.

[Had a good night's sleep. Speaking to Dick Chilman, F Whitaker, also Arthur Smith and Bert Stead. 1st Battery landed, Mac on water duty 8 pm til 4 am. Keith joined his Battery.

1 May, 1915

Lovely day. Things fairly active especially through the night. Had a grand sleep, had a very good breakfast, bullets flying very close. 1.45 carried my first wounded man from B Hill to beach D Station. Hard work.

4.30 pm two of us left for a wounded man in the advanced trenches. How, Batt. Observer Station, three miles up, very exciting experience through hell. Snipers firing at us all the way. Had to take cover until dark, lying alongside of a bank with some others. Third chap from me shot through the arm, too close for me. I have never cuddled the earth so much before, got there alright and back also at 10 pm. Mac and George had a cup of tea for me, got to bed and slept like a log.

[Lovely day. Things fairly active especially through the night. Had a grand sleep, had a very good breakfast, bullets flying very close. 1.45 carried my first wounded man from B Hill to beach D Station. Hard work.

2 May, 1915

Nice day, much the same as yesterday. No work for me. George joined his Battery. Eleven Turks caught asleep and brought into camp. 9.15 pm warships opened fire. It was the signal for advance. The boys gained four trenches, and then lost one - 3 gained.

[Nice day, much the same as yesterday. No work for me. George joined his Battery. Eleven Turks caught asleep and brought into camp. 9.15 pm warships opened fire. It was the signal for advance. The boys gained four trenches, and then lost one - 3 gained.]

3 May, 1915

Opened with a fair amount of hostile gunfire. Otago and Southland boys cut to pieces, very few left. Speaking to my cousin, shot in three places. Fairly quiet night.

[Opened with a fair amount of hostile gunfire. Otago and Southland boys cut to pieces, very few left. Speaking to my cousin, shot in three places. Fairly quiet night.]

4 May, 1915

Very quiet. Saw a burial of three Australians. The Southland boys are gradually collecting a few more of them together. Keith was down last night.

[Very quiet. Saw a burial of three Australians. The Southland boys are gradually collecting a few more of them together. Keith was down last night.]

5 May, 1915

Opened artillery duel. Hear Dick Chilman and Joe Wilderman[?] are dead, Arthur Small, Bert Stead, Fred Whitaker and Fred Gabbitas wounded. Quiet afternoon. A lot more troops landing. Had a nasty dream about Andrew last night. 2000 boys left us to take another position.

[Opened artillery duel. Hear Dick Chilman and Joe Wilderman[?] are dead, Arthur Small, Bert Stead, Fred Whitaker and Fred Gabbitas wounded. Quiet afternoon. A lot more troops landing. Had a nasty dream about Andrew last night. 2000 boys left us to take another position.]

6 May, 1915

Fairly quiet. 1000 more reinforcements arrived. Turks got the range of our beach and did a great deal of damage with their shrapnel. Had a good tour through the trenches, it is a marvellous network, very apt to get lost.

[Fairly quiet. 1000 more reinforcements arrived. Turks got the range of our beach and did a great deal of damage with their shrapnel. Had a good tour through the trenches, it is a marvellous network, very apt to get lost.]

7 May, 1915

Opened with a fair amount of shrapnel on the beach. Very cold in the shade.

[Opened with a fair amount of shrapnel on the beach. Very cold in the shade.]

8 May, 1915

Fine morning. Left for our boat Katuna by Headquarters boat at 8 am, got to troopship Seean Bee[Serangbee?]. Distributing 9 am, left 9.15 by Mine Trawler, called at a few boats and arrived at warship Triumph 12.00. Asked on board and spent one of the best times I have had since I left NZ. The boys couldn't do enough for us, packed us up with tobacco and bread and cakes, and all sorts of things.

I was on board when she fired her aft 12in guns, five shots in all, at Gobein [sic -Presumably German battle cruiser Goeben], which is in the Sea of Marmora. She just slams [?] down to a certain point and put two or three shots across the peninsula into our boats but fortunately misses every time. Well, I was shown the 10in firing and also 7.5 - it was very interesting. The other boys had as much rum as they could drink. I don't like it so I couldn't be sociable but that didn't make any difference to the Jack tars.

Well it will take a lot of telling, it will suffice to say we had a splendid 3/4 of hours [sic 12.00-1.30?] We left about 1.30 pm and eventually arrived at Katuna at 4 pm and then of course there were great tales to tell to the men of what happened on shore. And officers were also keen listeners.

Slept on a sofa with a coat over me and arose next morning fresh as a daisy.

[Fine morning. Left for our boat Katuna by Headquarters boat at 8 am, got to troopship Seean Bee[Serangbee?]. Distributing 9 am, left 9.15 by Mine Trawler, called at a few boats and arrived at warship Triumph 12.00. Asked on board and spent one of the best times I have had since I left NZ. The boys couldn't do enough for us, packed us up with tobacco and bread and cakes, and all sorts of things.

Slept on a sofa with a coat over me and arose next morning fresh as a daisy.]

9 May, 1915

Collected what I came for and awaited for the arrival of Trawler to take us back. It arrived at 2 pm; after a great deal of messing about arrived back on shore 7 pm with my load. Found out that a great deal of shelling had been going on on the beach.

[Collected what I came for and awaited for the arrival of Trawler to take us back. It arrived at 2 pm; after a great deal of messing about arrived back on shore 7 pm with my load. Found out that a great deal of shelling had been going on on the beach.]

10 May, 1915

Still a lot of shelling on the beach close to Brigade headquarters. Mac and I made our dug-out into a comfortable home. By the way, got two boils on neck, nice things.

[Still a lot of shelling on the beach close to Brigade headquarters. Mac and I made our dug-out into a comfortable home. By the way, got two boils on neck, nice things.]

11 May, 1915

2 pm. First awaking sand bags falling on top of us - thought Turks had come. A mule thought he would lie down on them. They wouldn't stand it, so bags and mule came in. Got myself unearthed and drove mules away and went to sleep again. Arose, and our home was in a - of a mess, set to work and made our home respectable again. Raining for the first time.

[2 pm. First awaking sand bags falling on top of us - thought Turks had come. A mule thought he would lie down on them. They wouldn't stand it, so bags and mule came in. Got myself unearthed and drove mules away and went to sleep again. Arose, and our home was in a - of a mess, set to work and made our home respectable again. Raining for the first time.]

12 May, 1915

Fairly quiet. Aust Light Horse landed in the morning ... NZ Mtd ... [blotched] ... tell me ... Otago and Southland ... being left in Egypt so the boys ... will be alright. All the Battery here went back to Alexandria, not wanted here. Mail in, but none for me, disappointing. George came down from the hill again: position for guns no good. A number of Greek Refugees came in from a distant village where we put three shells just to frighten them.

[Fairly quiet. Aust Light Horse landed in the morning ... NZ Mtd ... [blotched] ... tell me ... Otago and Southland ... being left in Egypt so the boys ... will be alright. All the Battery here went back to Alexandria, not wanted here. Mail in, but none for me, disappointing. George came down from the hill again: position for guns no good. A number of Greek Refugees came in from a distant village where we put three shells just to frighten them.]

13 May, 1915

Nice morning. The usual shelling that [one] gets for breakfast was going on. Decided to shift our dug-out. Headquarters shifted so we had to move on. Dug a first-class den, better than the last one, a real Bungalow. Commands a beautiful site [sic] of sea and beach.

Got sunburnt on back, had a decent swim. Two prisoners brought in: one Greek and the other they say Syrian but I am not sure of that. I think a sniper.

[Nice morning. The usual shelling that [one] gets for breakfast was going on. Decided to shift our dug-out. Headquarters shifted so we had to move on. Dug a first-class den, better than the last one, a real Bungalow. Commands a beautiful site [sic] of sea and beach.

Got sunburnt on back, had a decent swim. Two prisoners brought in: one Greek and the other they say Syrian but I am not sure of that. I think a sniper.]

14 May, 1915

A dandy night in our new home. Lovely morning. Rose 7.15 am. Good breakfast, porridge, bacon, tea, biscuits. Mail closes 4 pm so sent Service PC to Ivy.

We have a few punts lying off the beach and the Turks fired 135 rounds into them and only sunk one which by the way was empty. We went in for a swim and had to get out in a -- of a hurry. We hear that a Turkish submarine has got out and that it had sunk the Gigantic [sic - Presumably HMS Goliath, sunk as described, 12 May]. All our transports left and also some of the warships. Last night there was no searchlight display.

[A dandy night in our new home. Lovely morning. Rose 7.15 am. Good breakfast, porridge, bacon, tea, biscuits. Mail closes 4 pm so sent Service PC to Ivy.

[We have a few punts lying off the beach and the Turks fired 135 rounds into them and only sunk one which by the way was empty. We went in for a swim and had to get out in a -- of a hurry. We hear that a Turkish submarine has got out and that it had sunk the Gigantic [sic - Presumably HMS Goliath, sunk as described, 12 May]. All our transports left and also some of the warships. Last night there was no searchlight display.]

15 May, 1915

Up early, 6 am, did our washing, also doctors. Two warships back. Turks not so busy today.

[Up early, 6 am, did our washing, also doctors. Two warships back. Turks not so busy today.]

16 May, 1915

(Sunday) Good day. Bad news: Sgt Bowan 2nd Battery killed, shot right through the heart and lung, also Gunners Mackie and Brand ... [blotched and torn] ... Buried Sgt last night, Colonel was there, Major [?] read burial service, a good muster. Turks made a charge and got smashed up. General Bridges wounded fairly seriously and General Birdwood wounded also, both by snipers.

[(Sunday) Good day. Bad news: Sgt Bowan 2nd Battery killed, shot right through the heart and lung, also Gunners Mackie and Brand ... [blotched and torn] ... Buried Sgt last night, Colonel was there, Major [?] read burial service, a good muster. Turks made a charge and got smashed up. General Bridges wounded fairly seriously and General Birdwood wounded also, both by snipers.]

17 May, 1915

Lovely day. More troops landing, warships firing. I have orders to go and help Keith in the second Battery and Mac to go with George in 1st battery. I reported to major Sykes: nothing to do yet, sleeping with Mac.

[Lovely day. More troops landing, warships firing. I have orders to go and help Keith in the second Battery and Mac to go with George in 1st battery. I reported to major Sykes: nothing to do yet, sleeping with Mac.]

18 May, 1915

Quite an expert gunner now, it is lively at times here, a fair amount of firing to do. Turks very quiet today. Good news from Cape Helles - Turks got busy about 6 pm. The Turks are supposed to have said that they would sweep us into the sea. They certainly tried hard enough, they seem to have guns everywhere large and small. They kept it going till about ...

[Quite an expert gunner now, it is lively at times here, a fair amount of firing to do. Turks very quiet today. Good news from Cape Helles - Turks got busy about 6 pm. The Turks are supposed to have said that they would sweep us into the sea. They certainly tried hard enough, they seem to have guns everywhere large and small. They kept it going till about ...]

19 May, 1915

... 10 am. Our guns returning it. The Turks were heavily reinforced and made several unsuccessful attacks, repulsed with heavy loss. D gun, that is the one I stop with Gordon Bain in charge fired 198 up to 12 noon. German aeroplanes came over us this morning, one of ours also. Finished day by firing 254 rounds and dead Turks everywhere. Turks were supposed to bring up 20,000 reinforcements. The attacks were led by General von Sanders (a German): our boys showed him how to fight.

[... 10 am. Our guns returning it. The Turks were heavily reinforced and made several unsuccessful attacks, repulsed with heavy loss. D gun, that is the one I stop with Gordon Bain in charge fired 198 up to 12 noon. German aeroplanes came over us this morning, one of ours also. Finished day by firing 254 rounds and dead Turks everywhere. Turks were supposed to bring up 20,000 reinforcements. The attacks were led by General von Sanders (a German): our boys showed him how to fight.]

20 May, 1915

Opened with a lovely day, and quietness. The quietness we couldn't make out but later on the day solved the problem. The Turks came to the end of the cliff waving Red Crescent flags. Our men went out to meet them: they wanted to bury their dead, which was put down at 2,000 killed, 5,000 wounded. That you must remember is in a small area, but the official got the word that they were bringing up reinforcements at the same time so hell opened up again, time 6 pm, and things went pretty merry till 1 am Friday [21.5.15].

I was helping the boys with the ammunition and got struck by a piece of Turkish shell on the back but not to talk about, just took the skin off.

[Opened with a lovely day, and quietness. The quietness we couldn't make out but later on the day solved the problem. The Turks came to the end of the cliff waving Red Crescent flags. Our men went out to meet them: they wanted to bury their dead, which was put down at 2,000 killed, 5,000 wounded. That you must remember is in a small area, but the official got the word that they were bringing up reinforcements at the same time so hell opened up again, time 6 pm, and things went pretty merry till 1 am Friday [21.5.15].]

[I was helping the boys with the ammunition and got struck by a piece of Turkish shell on the back but not to talk about, just took the skin off.]

21 May, 1915

Things quiet after the storm. We saw little fun that day. About 11 am some Turk mounted were seen on [?] point waving white flags. They eventually came down on the beach and two of our officers went out to meet them. Turned out to be a Turkish Colonel Staff Officer and some orderlies. The Colonel was blindfolded and brought in. He was well dressed and looked well fed. He went out same night and came in again next morning. All that day was quiet though a great number of troops landed which makes us pretty strong now.

I forgot to mention that within the last few days 2 11in howitzers were landed and put in place and that also we have had added to a list of guns some different kinds of trench mortars large and small which I don't think the Turks like.

All our infantry from Cape Helles are back and seemed to have been through a terrible battle. Our boys lost very heavily. Thank God they did what they went down to do. There is a much larger army there than here - about 70,000 French Gurkha, English and Colonials. The French artillery very good [as] are also the English Regulars. The Dublin Fusiliers lost over 3,000 in landing, 3rd time they have been cut to pieces since this was begun.

They are doing well there now. They have 35 batteries, over 200 guns; 10pdr, 7.5, 18pdr 11in howitzers 15in seige. We can see some of them landing on the hills from where we are. 250 of our boys went into one charge and 51 came out fit. There also came into our camp 15 prisoners, look very scraggy.

Received a letter from Arthur dated 26 March. [Probably ASM's elder brother.]

[Things quiet after the storm. We saw little fun that day. About 11 am some Turk mounted were seen on [?] point waving white flags. They eventually came down on the beach and two of our officers went out to meet them. Turned out to be a Turkish Colonel Staff Officer and some orderlies. The Colonel was blindfolded and brought in. He was well dressed and looked well fed. He went out same night and came in again next morning. All that day was quiet though a great number of troops landed which makes us pretty strong now.]

[I forgot to mention that within the last few days 2 11in howitzers were landed and put in place and that also we have had added to a list of guns some different kinds of trench mortars large and small which I don't think the Turks like.]

[All our infantry from Cape Helles are back and seemed to have been through a terrible battle. Our boys lost very heavily. Thank God they did what they went down to do. There is a much larger army there than here - about 70,000 French Gurkha, English and Colonials. The French artillery very good [as] are also the English Regulars. The Dublin Fusiliers lost over 3,000 in landing, 3rd time they have been cut to pieces since this was begun.]

[They are doing well there now. They have 35 batteries, over 200 guns; 10pdr, 7.5, 18pdr 11in howitzers 15in seige. We can see some of them landing on the hills from where we are. 250 of our boys went into one charge and 51 came out fit. There also came into our camp 15 prisoners, look very scraggy.

[Received a letter from Arthur dated 26 March. [Probably ASM's elder brother.]]

22 May, 1915

Quiet again, never fired a shot, wet day. Turkish Colonel came in again and out again at night.

[Quiet again, never fired a shot, wet day. Turkish Colonel came in again and out again at night.]

23 May, 1915

Quiet day, not a shot fired. German airship dropped a bomb, didn't do much damage. Turkish Colonel back again. Hit badly today, Gunner Gandry [?] killed and Tony Hardie badly wounded. Turk busy. One Australian buried by us.

[Quiet day, not a shot fired. German airship dropped a bomb, didn't do much damage. Turkish Colonel back again. Hit badly today, Gunner Gandry [?] killed and Tony Hardie badly wounded. Turk busy. One Australian buried by us.]

31 May, 1915

Making great alterations round gun we have shifted further up. Buried Gnr Gandry.

[Making great alterations round gun we have shifted further up. Buried Gnr Gandry.]

1 June, 1915

Torpedo boat put a Turkish gun out of action.

[Torpedo boat put a Turkish gun out of action.]

2 June, 1915

Swim as usual, heat terrible, quiet day.

[Swim as usual, heat terrible, quiet day.]

17 June, 1915

A week of quietness has passed. One would hardly believe that there was a war on. Nothing to relate of any importance, only that I have made a trip to the firing line and saw through a periscope the Turks digging their trenches. They were across the gully from us. The main trench is quite a fine piece of work. The country to the front of us looked very fine.

Since last writing our friends at the Cape have pushed on a good deal. We have had a good deal of Turk artillery fire lately and lose a good number of men every day. I hear Sir Ian Hamilton - C in C- had a narrow escape today.

[A week of quietness has passed. One would hardly believe that there was a war on. Nothing to relate of any importance, only that I have made a trip to the firing line and saw through a periscope the Turks digging their trenches. They were across the gully from us. The main trench is quite a fine piece of work. The country to the front of us looked very fine.

26 June, 1915

Doctor Jory is back with us again. I am getting energetic and a swim and a walk every morning at six.

[Doctor Jory is back with us again. I am getting energetic and a swim and a walk every morning at six.]

27 June, 1915

Turk had a feeble attack last night.

[Turk had a feeble attack last night.]

28 June, 1915

A battle royal is raging down at Cape Helles. We get a good sight of the artillery fire. Turks were leaving our front to reinforce below, so we made an attack and gained two trenches on our right.

[A battle royal is raging down at Cape Helles. We get a good sight of the artillery fire. Turks were leaving our front to reinforce below, so we made an attack and gained two trenches on our right.]

29 June, 1915

Battle still raging down below, quiet here.

[Battle still raging down below, quiet here.]

30 June, 1915

Finish battle, whole line advanced 1,100 yards, good. Turks attacked our left flank and suffered dearly. Took a number of prisoners. Beautiful day, still bathing every day in spite of shelling on the beach.

[Finish battle, whole line advanced 1,100 yards, good. Turks attacked our left flank and suffered dearly. Took a number of prisoners. Beautiful day, still bathing every day in spite of shelling on the beach.]

8 July, 1915

A week of quietness. There has been no advance here or at Cape Helles. Still troubled with hostile guns. Two wounded returned today looking well.

[A week of quietness. There has been no advance here or at Cape Helles. Still troubled with hostile guns. Two wounded returned today looking well.]

9 July, 1915

Quiet.

[Quiet.]

11 July, 1915

(Sunday) Battle raging at the Cape. 200 yards gained. Warship firing on the slopes of Kilid Bahr [? possibly Sniper's Nest or The Nek] and Achi Baba.

[(Sunday) Battle raging at the Cape. 200 yards gained. Warship firing on the slopes of Kilid Bahr [? possibly Sniper's Nest or The Nek] and Achi Baba.]

15 July, 1915

Still very quiet. Aeroplane dropped bombs on Turkish trench.

[Still very quiet. Aeroplane dropped bombs on Turkish trench.]

28 July, 1915

In the last fortnight a few battalions of Kitchener's Army have landed here, mostly heavy guns. Wounded returning every night. Was out to see Charlie Leith [?] the other day. Have been through the mines up at Quinn's Post, very fine. We were actually underneath the Turk trench, quite a funny feeling. Monitors do a little firing very near every day.

[In the last fortnight a few battalions of Kitchener's Army have landed here, mostly heavy guns. Wounded returning every night. Was out to see Charlie Leith [?] the other day. Have been through the mines up at Quinn's Post, very fine. We were actually underneath the Turk trench, quite a funny feeling. Monitors do a little firing very near every day.]

5 August, 1915

This has been a more eventual [sic] week. Keith has been up at 1st battery for a week, George has had a spell with me.

We are all getting ready for a great battle and are anxiously waiting to get into it. Tuesday night [3 Aug?] 7,000 Kitchener Army landed, including some Gurkha. Wed. night another 3,000 and I believe tonight still more. We have now any amount of guns here.

[This has been a more eventual [sic] week. Keith has been up at 1st battery for a week, George has had a spell with me.

9 August, 1915

Yes, more men landed. We soon found out it was to be a great day for us. The great battle started 4.30. Bombardment opened first on our right where the Aust took two trenches and Lonely [sic] Pine. Then a mock engagement in the centre leading up to the most wonderful advance of two miles on the left in the direction of Anafarta and Hill 971. We were firing from 5.30 till 8 next morning [?]. One man slightly wounded.

A great surprise awaited us on the dawn of day. Four o'clock I discovered they had landed another Army of Kitchener at Cape Suvla and had advanced across the salt lake. Through the day we could see our boys advancing under battleship fire, for there were five cruisers and a number of destroyers and monitors.

[Yes, more men landed. We soon found out it was to be a great day for us. The great battle started 4.30. Bombardment opened first on our right where the Aust took two trenches and Lonely [sic] Pine. Then a mock engagement in the centre leading up to the most wonderful advance of two miles on the left in the direction of Anafarta and Hill 971. We were firing from 5.30 till 8 next morning [?]. One man slightly wounded.

10 August, 1915

This is Saturday. The landing was effected without much trouble, being a perfect place for the job. Tonight much quieter, but opened with a terrible bombardment at ... {indecipherable}

[This is Saturday. The landing was effected without much trouble, being a perfect place for the job. Tonight much quieter, but opened with a terrible bombardment at ... {indecipherable}]

11 August, 1915

4 am Sunday morning and is still going on. Our boys have just a last lap to go and then we will have the great hill which I think ought to be named NZ Hill as I hear the casualties have been very heavy. At least we had eight hospital ships when it started.

The Turks are stubborn and have fought magnificently.

[4 am Sunday morning and is still going on. Our boys have just a last lap to go and then we will have the great hill which I think ought to be named NZ Hill as I hear the casualties have been very heavy. At least we had eight hospital ships when it started.

The Turks are stubborn and have fought magnificently.]

12 August, 1915

(Monday) They are still going at it. Very few NZ boys left.

[(Monday) They are still going at it. Very few NZ boys left.]

13 August, 1915

I took a trip out to some of our new ground. The wounded lying on stretchers in hundreds: cannot get them away quick enough, a terrible sight.

We have taken about 500 prisoners including two or three German officers, eleven machine guns and two trench mortars.

[I took a trip out to some of our new ground. The wounded lying on stretchers in hundreds: cannot get them away quick enough, a terrible sight.

We have taken about 500 prisoners including two or three German officers, eleven machine guns and two trench mortars.
{Note: There is an error in dates here. Diary says Wed 12th - presumably should be 14th.}]

14 August, 1915

A beautiful day. The fighting is a little settled. We hold a lot more ground. The Kitchener Army consists [of] 10th, 11th, 13th, and 36th Divs. Met Alf Andrews here yesterday with the Ambulance Reinforcements, also Keith Sutton.

[A beautiful day. The fighting is a little settled. We hold a lot more ground. The Kitchener Army consists [of] 10th, 11th, 13th, and 36th Divs. Met Alf Andrews here yesterday with the Ambulance Reinforcements, also Keith Sutton.]

15 August, 1915

Still at it. Two of our guns shifted to the left flank, new country.

[Still at it. Two of our guns shifted to the left flank, new country.]

16 August, 1915

(Friday) I am going out to the flank.

[(Friday) I am going out to the flank.]

17 August, 1915

(Saturday) It is decent out here, nice and fresh, plenty of swims and catching some good fish. Keith is out here also with two other guns further up the gully.

[(Saturday) It is decent out here, nice and fresh, plenty of swims and catching some good fish. Keith is out here also with two other guns further up the gully.]

18 August, 1915

A quiet day.(Wednesday) Twelve months today since I left home ..... up on the plateau again very slow.

[A quiet day.(Wednesday) Twelve months today since I left home ..... up on the plateau again very slow.]

See the first Diary entry - 18 August 1914.

19 August, 1915

We hear that the Royal Edward was sunk off Lemnos by submarine, 1,600 lives lost. Tommies sent a man away with typhoid today. Things are quiet. Had a long chat to Jim Cameron. Charlie Leith [?] and Alan Richards are wounded. Jack Wilson and Bill Stone were away before the charge. 3rd Battery have arrived here from the Cape.

[We hear that the Royal Edward was sunk off Lemnos by submarine, 1,600 lives lost. Tommies sent a man away with typhoid today. Things are quiet. Had a long chat to Jim Cameron. Charlie Leith [?] and Alan Richards are wounded. Jack Wilson and Bill Stone were away before the charge. 3rd Battery have arrived here from the Cape.]

20 August, 1915

I have to go back to Pluggy; rotten luck. Dr Jory relieving Dr McCormick. Sent five men away siick; Larry Brown, etc. High jinks still going on at the left.

[I have to go back to Pluggy; rotten luck. Dr Jory relieving Dr McCormick. Sent five men away siick; Larry Brown, etc. High jinks still going on at the left.]

21 August, 1915

We are shifting tonight, join our other two guns out at the left. Australians taking our place. Left 10.30, walked to destination, arrived 11.30, men worked all night, Sandy turned in.

[We are shifting tonight, join our other two guns out at the left. Australians taking our place. Left 10.30, walked to destination, arrived 11.30, men worked all night, Sandy turned in.]

22 August, 1915

Nice day. Have a good target, another big attack on w. hills. We did a fair amount of firing - the bombardment deafening. I should say about 200 guns pouring fire into Turkish trenches. This war is a devil. When we had finished Ambulance men on hills under Colonel Thomas gave us three hearty cheers - we returned them. Mac and Keith are quite close to me - Mac is a corporal now, of the 1st Brigade.

[Nice day. Have a good target, another big attack on w. hills. We did a fair amount of firing - the bombardment deafening. I should say about 200 guns pouring fire into Turkish trenches. This war is a devil. When we had finished Ambulance men on hills under Colonel Thomas gave us three hearty cheers - we returned them. Mac and Keith are quite close to me - Mac is a corporal now, of the 1st Brigade.]

23 August, 1915

Rather quiet. Doing a little firing and bathing and still taking trenches. Warships are still with us. We have no medical officer now. Dr Jory is with NZ Mtd. so have a little more work to do.

A week's news. We have taken more trenches and the Battery has shifted position; two [guns?] here and two about a mile away. NZ 5 Battery has arrived and taken up position. Colonel Thomas killed 28th, sad blow. I attended his funeral. 30th Major Grant Pres. Chaplain killed. Met two Invercargill boys in the 5th Battery - Jack Ferguson and young Gilmour.

I am now living in a Turkish oficer's dug-out and it is a good one. The position we are in at present not good, some [?] stray bullets. Wrote to Egypt for Couling Horribin [?]and McKenzie. One of the gunners shot dead the other night. Have tea with Mac and Keith every night. We live well, what with scones and salmon rissoles and custard and rice and strawberry jam. I can tell you we do A.1.

Italians have declared war on Turkey. Good news. A new start.

[Rather quiet. Doing a little firing and bathing and still taking trenches. Warships are still with us. We have no medical officer now. Dr Jory is with NZ Mtd. so have a little more work to do.

Italians have declared war on Turkey. Good news. A new start.]

1 September, 1915

A change of weather. Sent two men to hospital. Main body men are done. Had a temporary put in central ... nice cigar, quiet day. Sit in my dug-out and gaze on Turkish trenches in the distance, also on 971.

[A change of weather. Sent two men to hospital. Main body men are done. Had a temporary put in central ... nice cigar, quiet day. Sit in my dug-out and gaze on Turkish trenches in the distance, also on 971.]

2 September, 1915

Turkish attack last night on our extreme left. Quiet today - just a little artillery fire. Third Battery shifted into winter quarters down by the beach, don't like their posse[sic. position?] much.

[Turkish attack last night on our extreme left. Quiet today - just a little artillery fire. Third Battery shifted into winter quarters down by the beach, don't like their posse{sic. position?} much.]

3 September, 1915

Keith in F.H. Gastro-enteritis. Dr Jory sent away. I have all three Batteries. Fred Hicks helping me, doing fine. German Taube [plane] dropped bombs. The general feeling is that the Main Body ought to be taken out of here.

[Keith in F.H. Gastro-enteritis. Dr Jory sent away. I have all three Batteries. Fred Hicks helping me, doing fine. German Taube [plane] dropped bombs. The general feeling is that the Main Body ought to be taken out of here.]

4 September, 1915

Quiet. I am still doing A.1. Turks were a little active last night, were repulsed with heavy loss. We are to hear so[me?] good news soon: I don't mind how soon. Mac over for tea.

[Quiet. I am still doing A.1. Turks were a little active last night, were repulsed with heavy loss. We are to hear so[me?] good news soon: I don't mind how soon. Mac over for tea.]

5 September, 1915

Up at six. I got breakfast for 2 - porridge and bacon and scones, some of my own make, very good. Keith a little better. Sending men away every day. Nice day. Started sick parade 7.30, finished 10 o'clock. A fair amount of Barku[?] Rot. A Turkish shell landed within 10 ft of where I was dressing a man's hand; you couldn't see us for smoke and dust. I was hit by a splinter from it on the leg, otherwise we got off scot-free. Shell landed exactly where I was lying in the shade the day before.

[Up at six. I got breakfast for 2 - porridge and bacon and scones, some of my own make, very good. Keith a little better. Sending men away every day. Nice day. Started sick parade 7.30, finished 10 o'clock. A fair amount of Barku[?] Rot. A Turkish shell landed within 10 ft of where I was dressing a man's hand; you couldn't see us for smoke and dust. I was hit by a splinter from it on the leg, otherwise we got off scot-free. Shell landed exactly where I was lying in the shade the day before.]

12 September, 1915

Another week has passed. Keith went away on the 8th September for Embros with Gastro-enteristis and insomnia - he wasn't too good. More Austr and Gurkhas have landed. Some Australian Main Body were taken out - I think some of NZ will be going soon. Bill Adamson died on Hospital Ship Maheno the other night. Doctor saw him in the morning for the first time, died same day, bad luck.

Getting chilly here now. I had two medical orderlies come to me through the week: one attached to Howitzers in Keith's place, Manners by name, and another, Prosser, to 5th B. Very surprised to read about the bad time the boys are having at Trentham. I had Gnr Hick helping me while Keith was in F.H. Fine fellow, Fred.

[Another week has passed. Keith went away on the 8th September for Embros with Gastro-enteristis and insomnia - he wasn't too good. More Austr and Gurkhas have landed. Some Australian Main Body were taken out - I think some of NZ will be going soon. Bill Adamson died on Hospital Ship Maheno the other night. Doctor saw him in the morning for the first time, died same day, bad luck.

13 September, 1915

Quiet day. Had a stroll around.

[Quiet day. Had a stroll around.]

14 September, 1915

NZ Infantry and Mtd. men going on leave. Mtd Amb. leave tonight - they have been here 2 months.

Looks very much like rain. I have 3 letters for Mac so I am going to take them to the boy. Dr Harvey attached to us today so I can see a quieter time ahead.

[NZ Infantry and Mtd. men going on leave. Mtd Amb. leave tonight - they have been here 2 months.

Looks very much like rain. I have 3 letters for Mac so I am going to take them to the boy. Dr Harvey attached to us today so I can see a quieter time ahead.]

15 September, 1915

Very quiet. Took a stroll down to see Mac, had some letters for him. Jimmy Perry was up to see Bert - very surprised, had afternoon tea. Allan and Mac stopped for tea ...

[Very quiet. Took a stroll down to see Mac, had some letters for him. Jimmy Perry was up to see Bert - very surprised, had afternoon tea. Allan and Mac stopped for tea ...]

16 September, 1915

Took Capt. Harvey round. Mail in, lollies from the best girl, good-oh. No letter, paper though.

Carried a sick man on stretcher for about three miles to hospital - solid work.

[Took Capt. Harvey round. Mail in, lollies from the best girl, good-oh. No letter, paper though.

Carried a sick man on stretcher for about three miles to hospital - solid work.]

17 September, 1915

Shifting day - am going back to Headquarters. A letter from Ivy, full of news. So Jim is down there alright - hope he gives you all a look-up. Raining here today.

[Shifting day - am going back to Headquarters. A letter from Ivy, full of news. So Jim is down there alright - hope he gives you all a look-up. Raining here today.]

18 September, 1915

I am here at HQ. Sleeping with Sgt Jewell [Ben? Ron?] and Allan Strawbridge, two originals, they were both in HQ Awapuni. Hold Brigade sick parades here at 9.00. First morning 30. We give the men Diet [?]now. Some of the old crowd going away.

[I am here at HQ. Sleeping with Sgt Jewell [Ben? Ron?] and Allan Strawbridge, two originals, they were both in HQ Awapuni. Hold Brigade sick parades here at 9.00. First morning 30. We give the men Diet [?]now. Some of the old crowd going away.]

19 September, 1915

Quiet day. Men are building my winter quarters, a dispensary and living room, big place 20 X 10 X 8. Good cook here, puts on good feed. Slight diarrhoea lately.

[Quiet day. Men are building my winter quarters, a dispensary and living room, big place 20 X 10 X 8. Good cook here, puts on good feed. Slight diarrhoea lately.]

20 September, 1915

Quiet days. Received letters, one Ivy and p.c. Andrew, Mabel, good-oh. A little bombardment. Third Battery getting it good-oh, six and eight inch shells. Give big one. Mac over to see me, got a bit of a fright I think, he is not looking too good.

[Quiet days. Received letters, one Ivy and p.c. Andrew, Mabel, good-oh. A little bombardment. Third Battery getting it good-oh, six and eight inch shells. Give big one. Mac over to see me, got a bit of a fright I think, he is not looking too good.]

22 September, 1915

Ivy birthday. Woke about 4 am first thing I thought of. Artillery duels only, very little activity.

[Ivy birthday. Woke about 4 am first thing I thought of. Artillery duels only, very little activity.]

23 September, 1915

Very dull, no fighting. Friday night (24th) a bit of a scrape started on right, two boys stopped stray bullets in our gully; one got it through the stomach and my word didn't he kick up a row. He was in bed in his dug-out. Colonel back.

[Very dull, no fighting. Friday night (24th) a bit of a scrape started on right, two boys stopped stray bullets in our gully; one got it through the stomach and my word didn't he kick up a row. He was in bed in his dug-out. Colonel back.]

25 September, 1915

Quiet day. One patient sent away today.

[Quiet day. One patient sent away today.]

1 October, 1915

Left for hospital ship by 10 am boat. Lovely morning. On the way out I had a feeling that I didn't care if I ever got back to shore or not.

Arrived at ship "Maheno" along with a barge of sick and wounded. A voice sang out "Hullo Sandy", and on looking I saw Bert Barlow and Jack Fergus. Jack met me on the gangway and was terribly excited, he is Quartermaster Sergeant. I will not bother to put it all down here because I don't think I will forget it for some time.

The Dr was with me. Left about 8 pm for shore; didn't like the idea of going back at all.

[Left for hospital ship by 10 am boat. Lovely morning. On the way out I had a feeling that I didn't care if I ever got back to shore or not.

The Dr was with me. Left about 8 pm for shore; didn't like the idea of going back at all.]

2 October, 1915

Of course found me very discontented. Quiet day.

[Of course found me very discontented. Quiet day.]

3 October, 1915

Pegging along. The Turks made things a bit hot about tea time; put about 30 4.5 into us, very close, in fact in the danger zone, one into the cook's dug-out and made a mess of his gear - luckily he was washing his dishes. Put one into the hospital in our gully (Wilson Gully), they had just shipped the last patients out and she came through the top and burst inside. Day fine, Quiet. Gave us another dose after tea.

[Pegging along. The Turks made things a bit hot about tea time; put about 30 4.5 into us, very close, in fact in the danger zone, one into the cook's dug-out and made a mess of his gear - luckily he was washing his dishes. Put one into the hospital in our gully (Wilson Gully), they had just shipped the last patients out and she came through the top and burst inside. Day fine, Quiet. Gave us another dose after tea.]

4 October, 1915

Started to put them into us while we having sick parade, had to postpone it. It cut a tree right down and badly wounded a horse and three others slightly, one had to be shot. I also got two patients in hospital, one severely and one slightly. I don't feel at all comfortable here in this gully. Hospital shifted, still a few pills coming into us, no damage. Allan Strawbridge (4th) and Sgt Jewell (5th) went away ill, one enteric and the others gastro-enteritis, so I am the last of the Mohicans. I feel a bit lonely now.

[Started to put them into us while we having sick parade, had to postpone it. It cut a tree right down and badly wounded a horse and three others slightly, one had to be shot. I also got two patients in hospital, one severely and one slightly. I don't feel at all comfortable here in this gully. Hospital shifted, still a few pills coming into us, no damage. Allan Strawbridge (4th) and Sgt Jewell (5th) went away ill, one enteric and the others gastro-enteritis, so I am the last of the Mohicans. I feel a bit lonely now.]

5 October, 1915

Quiet day. Two of our medical orderlies away, have been here three weeks. So I am back to the old way again - one orderly and myself. Just a few stray shells today but still very dangerous.

[Quiet day. Two of our medical orderlies away, have been here three weeks. So I am back to the old way again - one orderly and myself. Just a few stray shells today but still very dangerous.]

6 October, 1915

Very quiet.

[Very quiet.]

7 October, 1915

Very quiet. A fair amount of bombarding here and more especially at Cape Helles.

[Very quiet. A fair amount of bombarding here and more especially at Cape Helles.]

8 October, 1915

Same as yesterday.

[Same as yesterday.]

9 October, 1915

Much the same, although the Turk put a shell into one of the 2nd Battery [impat...] and killed two men, Gunner Griffith and Gunner Plimmer and wounded two others. A sad day.

[Much the same, although the Turk put a shell into one of the 2nd Battery [impat...] and killed two men, Gunner Griffith and Gunner Plimmer and wounded two others. A sad day.]

12 October, 1915

The last few days very quiet. I was in at Anzac innoculating the Hawkeyes Battery for typhoid. The officer lets me do it now, he has got shrewd. The 6th Battery landed today and also some of the 6th Reinforcements. Met Jack Pickford today; used to be in St Peters choir with me 10 years ago.

[The last few days very quiet. I was in at Anzac innoculating the Hawkeyes Battery for typhoid. The officer lets me do it now, he has got shrewd. The 6th Battery landed today and also some of the 6th Reinforcements. Met Jack Pickford today; used to be in St Peters choir with me 10 years ago.]

13 October, 1915

Very quiet. A big washing day today.

[Very quiet. A big washing day today.]

14 October, 1915

Nothing doing. Dr Harvey ill today.

[Nothing doing. Dr Harvey ill today.]

15 October, 1915

Quiet day. Went for a stroll with Dr, just the usual bombarding.

[Quiet day. Went for a stroll with Dr, just the usual bombarding.]

17 October, 1915

Nice day. woke up at 4 am, terrible bombardment, hundreds of guns talking.

[Nice day. woke up at 4 am, terrible bombardment, hundreds of guns talking.]

... a considerable gap in the diary occurs here ...

29 November, 1915

28th [Nov?] was the day that snow put in its appearance, very sudden. It gave no warning. Gurkha suffered severely with frostbite, some of which were bitten very badly.

[28th [Nov?] was the day that snow put in its appearance, very sudden. It gave no warning. Gurkha suffered severely with frostbite, some of which were bitten very badly.]

1 December, 1915

I have awoke [sic] at last. Things have been very quiet. Outside a little bombardment and the taking of Hill 60. Nothing has happened. I got word 22 November that poor young Keith Sutton [ASM was 22 at the time!] died with diptheria; a few boys have been wounded lately.

[I have awoke [sic] at last. Things have been very quiet. Outside a little bombardment and the taking of Hill 60. Nothing has happened. I got word 22 November that poor young Keith Sutton [ASM was 22 at the time!] died with diptheria; a few boys have been wounded lately.]

{Ed: Sandy had a photo of Keith Sutton in Egypt]

2 December, 1915

Up at 7.45. Nice day, hard frost. 0940 5th Battery boy got a shrapnel through the hand. I fixed him up. Ten o'clock sick parade. Turk bombarding as per usual. Day quiet.

[Up at 7.45. Nice day, hard frost. 0940 5th Battery boy got a shrapnel through the hand. I fixed him up. Ten o'clock sick parade. Turk bombarding as per usual. Day quiet.]

3 December, 1915

Quiet day. Bombarding as per usual.

[Quiet day. Bombarding as per usual.]

4 December, 1915

Same.

[Same.]

5 December, 1915

Turks fairly busy with gun. 5th boy shot through leg, not serious. Same day Turks shelled 16th Clearing Hospital, twenty killed and a number wounded. Shell exploded in hospital tent and tore it to ribbons, sixty patients lying inside, legs and arms flew in all directions.

[Turks fairly busy with gun. 5th boy shot through leg, not serious. Same day Turks shelled 16th Clearing Hospital, twenty killed and a number wounded. Shell exploded in hospital tent and tore it to ribbons, sixty patients lying inside, legs and arms flew in all directions.]

6 December, 1915

Turks at it again - this time NZ 3rd Battery, killed one and wounded seriously one. Finished our Dressing Station, flash place now.

[Turks at it again -this time NZ 3rd Battery, killed one and wounded seriously one. Finished our Dressing Station, flash place now.]

7 December, 1915

Quiet day. Heavy bombardment by warships on Anafarta Slopes. Quite a good sight.

[Quiet day. Heavy bombardment by warships on Anafarta Slopes. Quite a good sight.]

8 December, 1915

False alarm expedition. Left 8 am for hospital ship; arriving Walker Ridge, saw ship moving away. So returned homeward.

[False alarm expedition. Left 8 am for hospital ship; arriving Walker Ridge, saw ship moving away. So returned homeward.]

9 December, 2015

[9 December, 2015]

That is the last entry in the Diary.

The evacuation of Anzac Cove and Suvla Bay was completed during the night of Sunday/Monday 20/21 December 1915. Sandy disembarked at Alexandria on 3 January, 1916. Cape Helles was finally evacuated during the night of 8/9 January, 1916.

However, that is not the end of Sandy's story. He compiled a photo album of nearly 400 images, the bulk of which are from his time on the Western Front.

He also had two brothers who served, as well as a number of cousins, one of whom, Alexander (Alec) Mee, served on the Western Front for just a month before being killed, leaving behind a young wife and a baby born about 6 days after Alec's death.

Sandy's Gallipoli Diary