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Page 23
While we were away along the beach for a swim one afternoon, the Turks
began shelling our quarters. It had not happened previously, and
everyone thought we were out of range. The firing lasted for about an
hour and a half. I fully expected that the whole place would be
smashed. On the contrary, beyond a few mules and three men hit,
nothing had happened, and there was little in the ground to show the
effects of the firing. (I noticed the same with regard to the firing
of the naval guns. They appeared to lift tons of earth, but when one
traversed the position later very little alteration could be
detected.) The Turks, however started at night again, and one shot
almost buried me in my dug-out.
The number of transports that came in and out of Anzac while we were
there was marvellous, and a great tribute to the British Navy. There
is no question as to who is Mistress of the Sea. Occasionally we heard
of one being torpedoed, but considering the number constantly going to
and fro those lost were hardly noticeable. The _Southland_ was
torpedoed while we were in Gallipoli, and Major Millard (who was on
board) told me that there was not the slightest confusion, and only
one life was lost.
TURKS AS FIGHTERS
One cannot conclude these reminiscences without paying a tribute to
Abdul as a fighting man. All I know about him is in his favour. We
have heard all about his atrocities and his perfidy and
unspeakablenesses, but the men we met fought fairly and squarely; and
as for atrocities it is always well to hear the other side of the
question. At the beginning of the campaign it was commonly reported
that the Turks mutilated our wounded. Now I believe that to be an
unmitigated lie, probably given a start by men who had never set foot
in the Peninsula--or who, if they did, had taken an early opportunity
of departure. We were in a position to know whether any mutilation had
occurred, and I certainly saw none. I believe that similar reports
were existent among the Turks regarding us, and I formed that opinion
from the attitude and behaviour of one of the prisoners when I went to
dress his wound. He uttered most piteous cries and his conduct led me
to believe that he thought he was to be illtreated. I have mentioned
before the class to which most of the prisoners were. They were always
most grateful for any kindness shown them.
As to their sense of fair play, when the _Triumph_ was sunk, they
never fired on her--though I understand it would have been quite
allowable directly the men set foot on another warship. Again, about a
fortnight after the landing at Anzac, we tried to land a force at Gaba
Tepe, but had to retire and leave our wounded. The Turks signalled us
to bring them off, and then they never fired or abused the white flag.
The third instance occurred on our left, when we made the advance in
August. Our Ambulance was under a hill, and a howitzer battery took up
a position just in front. The Turk _sent word_ that either the
Ambulance or the battery would have to move, otherwise they would be
forced to fire on the Ambulance.
The shells we got on the beach could not be attributed to any
disregard of the Red Cross, for they could not see the flag, and
moreover the Ordnance was next to us, a thing utterly out of order,
but unavoidable under the circumstances.
My career on the Peninsula came to a close at the end of September,
when I fell ill and was put on the hospital ship. The same evening a
very willing attack was put up by the Turk. One had a good and most
interesting view, as one was in perfect safety. The bursting shells in
the darkness were very picturesque.
Prior to going off we had often discussed the pleasure of getting
between sheets and into a decent bed--how one would curl up and enjoy
it. But my first night under those conditions was spent in tossing
about, without a wink of sleep. It was too quiet. Being accustomed to
be lulled to sleep by the noise of six-inch guns from a destroyer
going over my dug-out, I could now hear a pin drop, and it was far too
quiet. We found we were to be sent to England. Malta was no place in
which to get rid of Mediterranean fever. The treatment the people of
England give the Australians is handsome in the extreme. They cannot
do enough to make them comfortable. Country houses are thrown open to
the invalided men, perfect strangers though they are, and all are
welcome.
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