Sunday 1st August, 1915

Between midnight and 1 a.m. this morning we expoloded a mine in a sap under
Turks trench on right flank, our men then charged and captured two lines of
trenches, heavy firing went on for a couple of hours, about this time enemy put half
dozen shells on beach close to our dressing station, killed a Lieutenant and
wounded about 10 men. We landed about 20 more guns during night (18
pounders). Fourteenth week here, fairly quiet during day, had good sleep, went for
swim about 4 p.m. About 6 p.m. enemy aeroplane flew over us, half hour later two
of our planes went over Turks lines. One of our planes was a Taube captured from
the enemy at Cape Helles, mistook it for enemy plane at first. Went on duty at 7.30
p.m.

Monday 2nd August, 1915

Three wounded brought in during night, one died. Six hundred reinforcements
(Australian) landed durng night, also about 150 Indians with about 250 mules for
transport work. Off duty at 7.30 a.m. Some officers just landing about 10 a.m. when
enemy put couple of shells over, one officer hit just as he stepped off boat on to pier
(hard luck). Three cruisers (British) appeared a few miles to the south of our
position and cruised about all day, shelling the enemy at intervals. Very quiet with
us all afternoon. About 7 p.m. an enemy aeroplane flew over us, dropped a bomb in
the sea close to hospital ship, did no damage. Our fire drove him away. On duty
7.30 p.m., still very hot.

Tuesday 3rd August, 1915

Very quiet night, no wounded brought in. A number of English officers
(Headquarters staff) landed during night, also large quantities of timber and barbed
wire for entanglements. Notice posted up, beach has to be cleared of all men
tonight and two following nights except those on duty. Think they are going to land a
lot of troops, hope so. Did little writing today. This afternoon enemy heavily shelled
the foreshore, one shell hit a steam pinnace and it had to be beached, will put it right
again tomorrow. Enemy aeroplane flew over about 7 p.m. Could hear our warships
bombarding in the Dardanelles all day, could see three cruisers down coast. On
duty 7.30 p.m.



Wednesday 4th August, 1915

About a dozen wounded brought in during night and a few sick troops. About 8,000
British troops (Kitchener's Army) were landed during night, also about 1,300
Australians, returned wounded and reinforcements. One Britisher (a Warwick) was
killed by a bullet as they were landing, also one wounded. About 6.30 a.m. an
enemy plane (Taube) flew over our lines, dropped several bombs and darts, have
not heard of any damage. Stores and fodder being landed in large quantities all
day. Wrote some letters this morning and had short sleep after dinner. Enemy
heavily shelled beach again this evening but did not manage to do any damage.
Went on duty 7.30 p.m. very quiet all day.

Thursday 5th August, 1915

Not very busy during night, another large body of troops landed during night. I hear
about 10,000, also some Australian reinforcements. We have now got Warwicks,
Gloucesters, Wiltshires, South Wales Borderers, North Lancs. regiments here as
well as Colonial troops, disembarked without slightest hitch expecting to make a
great attack on Turks in few days. Off duty 7.30 a.m. Fairly quiet all morning here
but heavy gunfire going on to the south. Enemy heavily shelled beach this
afternoon, hit another steam pinnace, had to be beached. Commander Cator in
charge of navy men ashore was killed while giving orders from pier also one of his
Lieutenants was wounded. Cator had been promoted from Lieutentant Commander
to Commander just about 48 hours previously. On duty 7.30 p.m.

Friday 6th August, 1915

Had word last night to be ready to vacate our dressing station by 8 a.m. this
morning. Had very solid night, two operations, one amputation of hand also
numberous other cases and we also had to be packing our medical panniers an
stores. Turks attacked portion of our trenches about 5 a.m. and we had a run of
wounded, nearly 200 men, passed through our hands during night sick and
wounded, feel bit done up this morning. Great number of troops landed during the
night, some Ghurka's. Turned in for spell about 9 a.m. Slept till 1 p.m. Had word to
move to left flank at 2 p.m., leaving greatcoats and pack behind. Moved round at 2
p.m. about 1 1/2 miles and are right among our own artillery. Warships bombarded
enemy today. Something doing tonight, orders to be ready to move again at 4 a.m.
tomorrow. Walkers Ridge on left flank.

Saturday 7th August, 1915

Was awake most of the night, warships bombarded the enemy and our men
attacked. Also more British troops were landed north of our position at Anzac Cove.
We are right in among our own artillery. Was put on guard over our water supply at
6 a.m. At 7 a.m. went about 3/4 mile round beach to get a wounded man, we were
sniped at all the way. Got him safely in. Moved away carrying everything about 9
a.m., went right through to where Turkish headquarters had been the day before, our
boys suprised them. Fixed dressing station and worked till 10 p.m., was told at 10
p.m. to get a sleep till 1 a.m. Plenty to do, have made a great advance but
casualties heavy. Are situated about 3 miles from our dressing station on beach,
which has been taken over by 2nd Field Ambulance.

Sunday 8th August, 1915

Our dressing station was riddled with shrapnel. Was called out at 1 a.m. Any
amount of work, feel stiff and sore from previous days heavy work of carrying all our
gear. Worked hard all day, only had a cup of tea about 9 a.m. and some fried bully
beef, biscuits hard as iron, about 1 p.m. with water. This afternoon our dressing
station was heavily shelled, one of our patients killed and a stretcher bearer
wounded. All around us men fell and we had to work at top speed. The Royal Irish
Rifles suffered most, also some of the Dublins. At 5 p.m. word came for us to
advance and so without anything to eat we had to move forward about a mile and
half. Was told off about 11 p.m. to turn in, feel real
done up.
Monday 9th August, 1915

Slept in bit of a hollow in ground till 7 a.m., got up and had breakfast - tea without
sugar, biscuits and bully beef. Feel stiff and sore all over from heavy carrying,
bullets flying all round us, have lost about 10 of our corps (wounded) this last couple
of days, things are very solid. Attended on patients in open till 5 p.m. when
engineers had made place for hospital tent. We only dress wounds and perform
urgent operations, sending patients on immediately afterwards to clearing hospital to
be put on ship. We have got through some hundreds of wounded already, some of
the wounds are awful and the men suffer untold agony. A battery of our artillery is
only about 100 yards away and behind us so we are under fire constantly, both rifle,
bullets and shell, our hospital tent is riddled with bullet holes, have got to stay up all
night.

Tuesday 10th August, 1915

Bullets coming over hill and falling all round us. Gradually losing our men. 3
Reinforcements arrived for us yesterday. 2 wounded today. Have been on duty all
night and was relieved at 8 a.m. this morning, am pretty tired, been very busy all the
time, had about 40 wounded since 12 midnight, mostly serious cases some
hopeless. Shells burst all round us and bullets came through tent for about an hour
this morning, one of our men was wounded, are terribly short handed. Sharp rifle
fire been going on all day, also artillery fire, both our own and the Turks, our fleet
was busy with their guns also. Been assisting off and on all day as wounded have
come in, believe our boys are pushing forward, our Sergeant dispenser got a bullet
in his shoulder this afternoon while helping with the wounded in the tent. We are in
an awful position.

Wednesday 11th August, 1915

Very busy last night, our Colonel did six amputations last night (legs and arms) all
between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. this morning, also had lot of other wounded in, was on
all night till 8 a.m. Some terrible wounds, will be glad when it is all over. Saw one of
our aeroplanes chase a German plane (Taube) but it got away. Received some
letters and papers today from home. Things seem to have been somewhat quieter
today, not so many wounded brought in and the firing has not been so heavy,
although we are still getting a fair share of bullets over our way and we are all most
remarkably lucky to have escaped being hit so far, our hospital tent is like a sieve,
full of bullet holes, they are whistling by all the time. Went on duty for night at 12
p.m.

Thursday 12th August, 1915

Fairly quiet all night, only three wounded brought in, one English Tommy and two
Indians. The Indians were wounded by shrapnel bullets only 20 yards from our
dressing station. Off duty at 8 a.m. and turned in for sleep. Have not had wash for
seven days as water is not too plentiful and beach is some distance away. This
afternoon climbed top of hill at base of which we are camped, could see our firing
line also enemy's. Watched our shells bursting on hill 971 which our boys are
attacking, could see Turks blown into the air. Another of our corps badly wounded
today. Still having hot weather, makes it difficult to sleep in day time. Practically
living on biscuits and bully beef with 2oz jam daily, not very fattening, biscuits as
hard as iron, sometimes make bully beef into stew by adding water and boiling and
sometimes have it fried, but it is still bully beef. On duty 12 p.m. midnight.

Friday 13th August, 1915

Very quiet not a single wounded man brought in all night, just a little rifle fire going
on and an occasional boom from one of the monitors as she puts a shell among the
enemy. Off duty at 8 a.m. This morning went to beach about 1 1/2 miles away and
had a swim, a bit risky as there are snipers about, but I simply had to have a wash
somehow, also washed my socks in the sea. Had a bit of sleep this afternoon, but
too hot to enjoy it. One or two wounded came down during the day. Went up the hill
this evening to watch our shells bursting in enemy trenches, sharp rifle fire
commenced while I was up and had to keep down in an old trench as bullets were
hitting all around us. On duty 12 p.m.

Saturday 14th August, 1915

Not a wounded man brought in all night, would be having a good time if we could get
some decent tucker. This morning went to our advanced dressing station close to
firing line, had to be very careful and take advantage of all cover. Sickening sight,
men and mules lying dead all the way and the stench from them awful. Very quiet
all afternoon, now and again a gun speaks. After tea went up the hill again with
telescope and had a look over the country. Could see the dead lying thick between
the firing lines, mostly Turks. Saw two of our ships bombarding around the town of
Annafarta which was burnt out a couple of days ago. It is a grand but awful sight.
On duty 12 midnight.




Sunday 15th August, 1915

Sixteen weeks today since we came here. Quiet all night again, two wounded men
brought in, one a hopeless case. Rumours that our boys are to attack and advance
on hill 971 tonight, if so be plenty of work for us. Had to shift our position this
afternoon as a mountain battery wanted our position. Moved about a quarter of a
mile to a spot a little more sheltered, although we are still surrounded by our own
artillery. There are between 20 and 30 guns within about 300 yards ofus, so our
position is not too good. Our Colonel was promoted today to the position of
A.D.M.S. in place of Colonel Manders who was killed. Major Meikle becomes Officer
commanding 4th Field Ambulance. On duty 12 midnight.

Monday 16th August, 1915

The rumoured attack did not take place so we had another quiet night, no wounded
coming in to us at all. Off duty 8 a.m. went for walk up hill to see if anything doing,
nothing doing only an odd shot from either side. Very hot, not a breath of wind, flies
very troublesome. Any amount of hard work when we shift our position, digging in,
pick and shovel. Went for swim about 3 p.m., walk of a mile but water lovely.
Sound of heavy rifle fire to the north of us this evening. Turks put a few big shells
over us this evening, did no damage, burst nearly a mile behind us, made a terrible
explosion. Our artillery put a few shots in in reply. On duty at 12 midnight.

Tuesday 17th August, 1915

No wounded brought in till 5 a.m. this morning when one man was brought in shot
through the head. A fatal wound, was unconcious when brought in. Off duty at 8
a.m. had breakfast and we all had to fall in on parade at 9 a.m. when the roll was
called and a few orders issued. Spent morning reading some English papers I
borrowed from one of our boys. Very hot day again, went for swim after dinner, just
got back to our camp when enemy commenced shelling the beach. Just after tea
received word to move camp as artillery want our position. Got to work, packed up
and struck hospital tent ready to move at 5 a.m. tomorrow. Enemy plane dropped
bombs a little to north of us. On duty 12 midnight.

Wednesday 18th August, 1915

Had two wounded during night, sent them straight on to clearing station. Roused the
camp at 3.45 a.m. had an early breakfast and moved camp to our new site about 1/4
of a mile north. Plenty of hard digging, pick and shovel to make place for our
hospital (operating) tent, got it fixed up and then had to dig dugouts for ourselves.
Hands covered with blisters and sore. Did sufficient to make a dugout fit for tonight
at any rate by dinner time. After dinner went for swim which I much needed,
freshened me up considerably. Stew was little better for tea, had a potato or two in
it which made it seem a luxury. no sugar in tea yet. Two enemy planes dropped
bombs not far from us this evening. On duty 12 midnight.


Thursday 19th August, 1915

One wounded man brought in to us during the night, shot through abdomen. Heavy
rifle fire a little to the north of us all night, about 7 a.m. could see some English
troops advancing, enemy poured shrapnel over them but could not stop their
advance, they were about a mile north of us advancing over the open, along edge of
salt lake. One of our boys got bullet in left hip today. Our cruisers hovering round
putting in a few shells now and again also desultory rifle fire, most of it on our left.
Went for swim this afternoon, have to cross mile of open country to beach, after
bathing had to lie between sand hills as enemy were heavily shelling open country
between us and our camp. Waited about 1 1/2 hours till shelling eased. On duty 12
midnight.

Friday 20th August, 1915

No wounded all night, but had five sick men in. Bullets whistled fairly frequently
round our tent but only one came through during whole night. Off duty 8 a.m.
During night our greatcoats and other belongings were brought up from Anzac by
mule transport, so I was able to get a clean change of underclothing which I badly
needed having worn the only shirt I had with me for fifteen days, practically never
being undressed it was not too clean. It is also fifteen days today since I had a wash
in fresh water, don't know when I am going to get one, getting enough to drink and
for our cooks but none to spare for washing. Had a swim this afternoon, been pretty
hot, pretty quiet this evening. On duty 12 midnight.

Saturday 21st August, 1915

Five patients during night sick, none wounded. Off duty 8 a.m. Very little firing all
morning, great number of men reported at our dressing station this morning sick,
sent them straight on to clearing hospital. About 2 p.m. two cruisers moved into
position just off from us and observation balloon went up at 2.30 p.m. The cruisers
and our land batteries which are situated all round us opened a terrific
bombardment, the shells bursting in and around Annafarta township, at 3 p.m.
gunfire ceased a little and our troops, mostly English, about a mile to the north of us,
started to attack the enemy, could see them advancing quite plainly. Plenty of work,
wounded started coming in about 6 p.m., going for all we're worth.

Sunday 22nd August, 1915

Turned in about 9.30 p.m. last night and was up and at it again at 11.30 p.m. Kept
very busy all night, dressing wounds and carrying stretchers. Administered two
anasthetics during night. Fighting been going on all night, heavy casualties.
Treated at our dressing station about 130 wounded from 6 p.m. yesterday to 6 a.m.
this morning. Bad night for us 6 of our own corps being hit, one killed outright, 3
seriously and 2 slightly wounded. Told off for rest at 9 a.m. Went on again at 12
noon worked hard till 6 p.m. Off for spell from 6 p.m. till 12 midnight. On again 12
midnight for the night. Between 6 p.m. last night and 12 midnight tonight over 400
wounded have passed through our hands. Our section (A Section) only have 11
bearers left out of about 50 to 60, some killed and others wounded, few sick.
Monday 23rd August, 1915

Rush of wounded eased off considerably after midnight last night, only had few in
but was kept going till 8 a.m. this morning when came off for spell. Two days ago
after the bombardment I could see where scrub had caught fire from shells. learned
since that number of troops, mostly English wounded, were caught by the fire and
burned to death. The 5th Australian Brigade 3rd Contingent landed a couple of days
ago and some of them took part in this late action. Some of them had not earned a
very good reputation, especially 8th Battalion. They suffered fairly heavily but
seemed to have lost all heart, hope they will redeem themselves. Gave hand with
few wounded this evening, turned in 10 p.m.

Tuesday 24th August, 1915

On duty 8 a.m. this morning, had been fairly quiet all day, little bit of sniping by the
enemy and few shells from our batteries just to keep things going. Had a fresh
water wash today, appreciated it. Also had some letters from home, learned my
brother Harry has enlisted, did a little writing this afternoon. A good number of men
came down sick today, sent some away for rest, kept some here who will be right in
a couple of days, could hear our battleships bombarding at Cape Helles and inside
Dardenelles, this evening very heavy firing. Off duty 8 p.m. Turned in 9 p.m.

Wednesday 25th August, 1915

Up at 7 a.m. and on duty almost immediately, have had a lot of work lately so O.C.
has decided to give us a change and let C Section do our work, which is now over till
next attack and we are to have a rest and take in medical cases which are not
severe enough to be sent away, we are to look after 15 patients, 5 of us night and
day, sounds like a rest. Worked hard all morning, shifted our medical stores. After
dinner had to go in to Anzac about 3 miles away for more medical stores, did not get
them, got back to our camp about 6.30 p.m. Heard Russians given Germans hiding
in Baltic, also Italy declared war on Turkey. Hear heavy firing by our ships in
Dardanelles. Off duty and turned in 9 p.m.

Thursday 26th August, 1915

Up at 6 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m. Have been fortunate with regards to weather so
far, had about a dozen spots of rain during night. Have about sixty patients in two
large tents, none serious, mostly men needing a rest as they are completely done
up. Meal times are the busiest for us and it takes us some time to get the meals
over. Fairly quiet all morning, just few shells. Went for swim this afternoon and our
camp was inspected by the A.D.M.S at 4 p.m. (our late Colonel). Was getting ready
to knock off at 7 p.m. when 50 more patients arrived, had to feed them. Lightning
very heavy tonight, looks like a storm. Seems to be a small engagement on tonight,
rifles cracking sharply.



Friday 27th August, 1915

Woke up about 6.30 a.m. Had light shower during night but managed to keep dry.
On duty 7 a.m.. About 50 patients, things were fairly quiet all morning, went for
swim after dinner. At 4 p.m. our ships and batteries started bombarding enemy's
trenches, shelling continued till 5 p.m. when Allied troops made a charge and drove
the enemy back capturing three lines of trenches, hope they can hold them, during
attack Turks bullets all came our way falling in and all round our camp. Captain
Kenny of C Section and two of our boys were wounded. Off duty at hospital about at
7 p.m. About this time wounded started to arrive and as we are very short of
stretcher bearers another chap (a pal) and myself turned out at 8 p.m. and carried
wounded until midnight when the rush was over. Bullets were lobbing all round us
while we were carrying.

Saturday 28th August, 1915

Up about 6.30 a.m. and on duty at 7 a.m. Still full up with patients, as fast as any
are discharged others come in. Things seem fairly quiet again this morning, now
and then a man who was wounded in last night's attack is brought in. This afternoon
Turks put about sixty shells , mostly shrapnel, over us, they all burst about 100 yards
behind us, good job for us they did not shorten their range a little. Our batteries and
ships replied and eventually the enemy's guns ceased firing. Heard one of our
batteries put one of enemy's batteries out of action. More patients came in this
evening, have had to sleep some in open. Have got about 150 between us (A
Section) and B Section, Off duty 7 p.m.

Sunday 29th August, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. and on duty 7 a.m. Our batteries have been shelling enemy all
night. About 7.30 a.m. enemy aeroplane flew over us and dropped three bombs on
other side of hill from us, little while after enemy started shelling, put about sixty
shells over us, dropped on flat country just behind our position, trying to get our
guns, four 60 pounders are about 800 yards behind us. Enemy's shells did no
damage at all. Just before dinner did trip to No. 2 outpost with patient on stretcher
as bearers were all out, shrapnel burst all round us as we went, got through, all
serene. After dinner went for swim, 6 shrapnel shells burst right over our heads
while on way to beach, did not hit any of us. Off duty 7 p.m.

Monday 30th August, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. on duty 7 a.m. Beautiful morning but developed into an exceedingly
hot day. It is beginning to get a bit cool at nights now. During morning enemy put
about 100 shells over us, most of them at our 60 pounders trying to put them out, did
not do much damage, only saw a horse killed. We are at foot of hill about mile from
beach, land between us and beach is flat, ploughed land. The country seems
prettier as we see more of it, wild of course. Had swim this afternoon. This evening
Turks put great number of shells on our No. 2 outpost, cruiser answered them with
her guns. Could see cruiser bombarding Achi-Baba away down coast, could see
shells bursting on top of Achi-Baba. Off duty 7 p.m. Beautiful evening, have about
eighty patients today.

Tuesday 31st August, 1915

Up at 6.30 a.m. On duty 7 a.m. discharged about 30 patients this morning and took
in 20 fresh ones. Enemy plane flew over and dropped bomb about 2 miles from us,
saw it burst. Some canteen stores have been brought here for men about £35 worth
chocolate, biscuits, smoke, etc. Officers took about half, all of best stuff, and we
were told we were compelled to buy equally of remainder. Men objected so little
trouble occured. Officers have put back their stuff, except what they have used and
left it to men. On account of men's attitude they seem to be going to make it warm
for us. One officer our Adjutant was heard to say they could be nasty with us. We
have now got to be up at 6 a.m. and on parade at 6.45 a.m. also other irksome
duties are to be put on the men. Quiet day, off duty 7 p.m. had swim, been pretty
hot. To buy of stores equally will mean about 11/- per man, 5/- of which will be
useless to most such as embrokation, piles of soap, also cigarettes will run out to
about 27 packets per man, smoker or not. Pretty rough on us.