The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were formed in 1881 and were an amalgamation of the 27th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot and the 108th Regiment of Foot (Madras). The 1st Battalion landed on the first day of the Gallipoli campaign and would remain on the peninsula until their evacuation in December 1915.
The regimental diary of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers comes via Imperial War Museum.
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Lemnos: Delay in harbour waiting for whole force to arrive and departure postponed three times in 24 hours on account of the unfavourable weather, a strong southerly making a landing appear difficult.
The battalion issued with two days of iron rations and 200 rounds per man.
5pm: Sailed from Lemnos en route for Gallipoli Peninsula.
Dawn: Arrived off Peninsula. Covering parties land under cover of warship.
9am: Landed at X Beach together with Border Regt.
4.30pm: Leave beach and take up position about 600 yards inland covering beach. Dig ourselves in. Attacked at night. Attack repulsed.
Same position.
In the evening 87th and 88th Bde take up line approximately 168I, to Hill 236 in 168C. 86th Bde in reserve.
Orders to attack and establish line spur 472 in 1842 through Krithia and lower spur of Achi Baba to Hill 344 in 170D. 87th on left, 88th Centre and 6 Battalion French on right. Krithia is nearly gained on the centre but owning of the left to advance and the retirement of the eight in the centre section. The line 176 41 – 176 L9 – 176 L3 was entrenched for the night.
Same line held.
Same line held.
Severe night attack by enemy. At dawn about 150 Turks found entrenched about 250 yards in front of our line. One and a half companies charge the flank of the trench and capture 132 prisoners.
Same line held.
Same line held.
Same line held.
Following orders received force will attack Achi Baba at 11 am.
The attack is started under a heavy fire and well covered by our own artillery. By dusk about 600-700 yards of front is gained on line 176 A9 – 176 S5 – 169 N5 – 169 TUYZ. This line is entrenched for the night, thereby phase 1 partially completed.
Following orders received – Bombardment of front by ships to commence at 9.45 am. Phase 2 to be completed. RIF and Border Regt to support 88th Inft Bde.
11.30 am: One company RIF sent to fill gap between 88th Bde and Lancs Fus Bde.
12.15pm: Two companies of RIF sent to reinforce Lancs Fus Bde. The attack is entirely held up by cross fire from enemy’s machine guns which cannot be located.
3pm: KSOB ordered up in support.
4pm: A general advance ordered. RIF to support left of 88th Bde, KSOB to work along cliff on sea shore.
6pm: The advance is still held up. The RIF entrench on left rear of 88th Bde for the night.
The NZ brigade is advancing to attack Krirthia at 10.30am. The RIF will cover the left flank of this brigade. The SWB and RIF will push out and small parties up the cliff and mullah to dig in as near to the enemy as possible and contain him in front. They will report all hostile movements and take any opportunities of pushing larger bodies forward through their lines to connect ends.
10.30am: RIF and NZ advance and make about 400 yards in front of the 88th Bde. Reports sent in that SWBs have not advanced and no further progress by RIF possible as a consequence. RIF and NZ entrench on gained ground.
6pm: RIF will advance up the mullah keeping in touch with the NI Bde on our right. Borders will move into reserve into the old RIF trenches E of mullah. The attack will be made with bayonet ends.
7pm: The SWB advance and gain line in line with the RIF. One company RIF advances and extends left of the NI line and dig in for the night. No further advance.
No further advance.
7pm: Relieved by 89th Punjabi and go into reserve with rest of brigade.
In reserve.
In reserve.
In reserve.
Go into support of Indian Bde. 2 companies in support of 1/6 Gurkha, 2 in support of 14th Sikhs.
Attached with Lancs Fus to Indian Bde.
Take over firing line from 1/6 Gurkhas on Gurkha Bluff.
Line on Gurkha Bluff advanced about 100 yards to include an old KSOB trench.
Heavily attacked by 200 Turks who capture KSOB trench and Gurkha margins. The get into part of the 2nd line but are captured (15). Casualties: 1 officer, 36 men killed, 59 men wounded, 14 men missing.
4pm: Counter attack and recapture KSOB trench and Gurkha margins.
Gurkhas take over firing line. RIF in support.
Munsters take over firing line. I/6 Gurkhas in reserve.
Sinking of HMS Triumph seen from Gurkha Bluff. 10 officers 412 men from 1/9 Manchester Regiment and 1 officer 32 men from 1/5 E Lancs attached.
Go into firing line. At centre, OC Captain Atkinson DSO – from Gurkha right to a point 75 W of ravine, about 400 Inniskilling men.
In the firing line. 3 companies in front line, 1 in battalion reserve. Improvement of trenches.
5.30am: Battalion relived 1 Lancashire Fusiliers. 2 companies to Y beach, 1 in Bde reserve.
10.15: Battalion moved to head of Nullah in readiness to form second line for attack on J12/13 trenches.
11.15am: Bombardment from 11.15am – 11.20 am.
12.15pm: At 12.15 the second line were to carry 2nd objective – J12 and J13.
12.58pm: Orders to move forward to support 1/10 Gurkhas.
6.15pm: One Coy Inniskilling Fusiliers in Bde Reserve moved forward in support of 14th Sikhs.
8pm: Orders received to collect and reorganise Bde at Geoghegan’s Bluff and to remain in close support of salient occupied by Lancashires.
HQ and 1 coy to Y Beach where one company from Geoghegan’s Bluff had already arrived.
5.45am: Orders received for three companies to proceed immediately to reinforce Royal Fusiliers, centre H13.
8pm: Ordered to withdraw Bde and return to White House in Bde Reserve.
Bde Reserve. Digging trenches, improving communications.
Bde Reserve. Digging trenches, improving communications.
Bde Reserve. Digging trenches, improving communications.
Bde Reserve. Digging trenches, improving communications.
4am: Orders received for 2 coys (C and D) to support KSOB and SWBs.
12 noon: One company withdrawn . Remainder of Bte digging and improving trenches till 11 pm.
7 pm: One Coy (C) re-joined Batt.
4.30am: Batt relieved by Royal Fusiliers and withdrawn to rear Gully Beach as Div Reserve.
In reserve, reorganising, digging and improving dug outs.
Digging and improving trenches near White House.
Digging and improving trenches near White House.
Digging and improving trenches near White House.
3.30am: Battalion proceeded to fire trenches (H11) in relief of Lancashire Fusiliers.
Digging and improving trenches and parapets, communications and saps.
Continued digging and improving trenches. Constructing new saps.
6.30pm: Heavy bombardment from enemy guns commenced and continued till 7.30pm from when enemy opened vigorous rifle fire.
8.30pm: B Coy forced to evacuate about 30 feet of their fire trench owing to the Turks bombing them from trench occupied by SWB during bombardment. A Coy under Captain O’Sullivan and 1 Platoon C Coy called up to support B, and succeeded in regaining portion of trench lost by B Coy.
4.30am: Captain O’Sullivan with bomb party of about 6 men together with SWB bomb party drove enemy down Turkish sap. Enemy then endeavoured to evacuate sap by retiring across open but were shot down by rapid fire from A and B Coys. Remainder of enemy in Turkish sap (13) taken prisoner.
7am: Re-organised and continued work of improving and repairing trenches.
12.30pm: Heavy bombardment from enemy guns reopened and continued for about three quarters of an hour. Enemy then commenced attack on our left flank , advancing across open but heavy machine gun fire from SWB and retired.
Relieved by Border Regiment, went into Reserve Trenches. Improving communications and digging new sap up to Border support.
Improving communications. Making brushwood drains in bottom of trenches and digging new sap up to Border support trench.
5am: Relieved by R Dublin Fusiliers. Batt moved into dug outs near Gully Beach in Divisional Reserve.
In Divisional Reserve.
In Divisional Reserve.
In Divisional Reserve.
In Divisional Reserve.
8pm: Batt moved to Gurkha Bluff, in dug outs and support trenches. SWB being in the firing line.
Following orders received for attack – 9 am to 11 am – Artillery will bombard heavily; at 11 am first line (SWBs) will assault first two lines of trenches, ie J9 and J10. Immediately these trenches have been taken, 2nd line (Inniskillings) will pass through them and take next line of trench J11 by assault and consolidate.
11.10am: A, B and C coys (from left to right) assaulted across open, passing over J9 and 10. D coy remained in support.
12 noon: Messages received from OC A, B and C coys to the effect that they were occupying J11, including machine gun redoubt and were consolidating. 86th Bde then passed through to the assault of next two lines of trenches, J12 and J13. Remainder of day spent in converting parapet and removing dead and wounded from trenches.
8.30pm: Enemy counter attacked heavily, but were repulsed. Counter attack continued all night and enemy succeeded in building new trench between J11 occupied by Inniskillings and J12 occupied by Dublin Fus and Gurkhas.
4am: Enemy again counter attacked heavily, and portion of Dublin Fus who were digging new trench from J11 to J12, retired into J11 temporarily, but were rallied and drove enemy from new trench dug during the night.
2pm: Batt ordered to take over J11 from the Gurkhas.
Improvement of trenches and cleaning communications. Two Coys in firing line, one in support, one in Batt Reserve.
8pm: A and D Coys digging saps from J12 to J11 working all night in open under cover of sandbags.
Continued improving trenches and digging sap from J12 to J11.
11.30pm: Enemy made bomb attack on J12 from Gully, driving back the Gurkhas and thus leaving the Inniskillings left flank exposed. At this time B Coy were lying out in advance of new sap as covering party while C Coy were digging under cover of sandbags and iron plates. Part of B Coy retired across open into support trench in rear of new saps, others filed into J12 which they found unoccupied. D Coy under Captain Edden and 2 platoons of A Coy under Captain O’Sullivan sent up from J11A to retake J12 and counterbomb at sap head. These companied headed by bombing parties covered by men with fixed bayonets, three times drove the Turks out of J12, being successful after the 3rd attempt. At dawn the few remaining Turks in J12 (beyond the barricade) being enfiladed by rifle fire and bombs climbed over parapet into the open and attempted to reach Gully but were mown down by Inniskilling and Borders machine guns and rifle fire from B Coy in new sap. Turks then sent reinforcements from the Gully up J12 as far as the barricade and Inniskillings and Gurkhas consolidated the regained portion of J12. Casualties during the night: 1 Officer killed, 4 wounded. 5 Rank and File killed, 33 wounded.
Following congratulatory telegram received from Maj Gen de Lisle: ‘Well done Inniskillings’. Orders to move to trench J12 and at 4pm relived from J12 by Border Regt and moved to support trench J11.
Digging and improving and cleaning J11 and burying dead.
4 am: Message received from OC Border Regt to sne dup one Coy to support them. B Coy carried out this duty; withdrawn at 10am not having been required.
12 noon: Battn ordered to take up line from left of Border Regt in J12 to Fusiliers Bluff in relief of 6th Gurkhas.
Improving fire and communication and support trenches, building observation and sniping posts.
6pm: Orders received to be prepared to be relieved following morning and embark same night, handing over all stores and transport.
Battn relieved by 4th Worcester Regt, moved to Gurkha Bluff. At 4pm moved via Mule track to Gully Beach and bivouacked for the night on side of road leading from Gully to X Beach. Orders to embark cancelled.
Remained in dug outs on side of road. Battn employed in digging terraces on side of cliff to improve road.
Again remained in dug outs on side of road. Battn employed in digging terraces on side of cliff to improve road.
Still remain in dug outs on side of road. Battn employed in digging terraces on side of cliff to improve road.
1am: Battn moved via X beach to V beach - strength 16 officers, 440 WOs, NCOs and men. C Coy remain behind as rear guard.
4am: Embarked on two trawlers and proceeded to Imbros. Disembarked at 8am when it was found that no preparations had been made to accommodate 87th Bde who should have gone to Mudros.
5pm: Battn re-embarked on two trawlers and remained at anchor in harbour until 8pm and then sailed to Mudros.
8am: Disembarked in tows at Australian pier. Marched one mile along Mudros-Romanos road and bivouacked. C Coy under Cpt Harman regrouped Battn from Gallipoli.
Capt W pike took over command of the Battn.
Battn in rest camp bivouacked between Mudros and Romanos. Reorganising, drill and interior economy.
9.45am: Orders received for Battn to be at Australian Pier at 12 noon, ready to embark.
1.30pm: Embarked on paddle boat Queen Victoria, also KOSB’s and 1 Coy Border Regt on board.
5pm: Sailed for Gallipoli peninsula.
9.30pm: Arrived off Cape Helles and transhipped in 2 trawlers.
2 am: Landed on V Beach and marched to road near Gully Beach, and bivouacked in dug out and terraces on side of cliff.
In Corps reserve in terraces in cliff side on road leading from Gully to X Beach. Improving and widening road, terracing cliff and Brigade fatigues.
2am: Marched via Beach Road to Fusilier Bluff. Relived 9th Battn R Warwickshire Regt.
4am: Taking over from the sea to J13 inclusive. A and B Coys in firing line. C support, D reserve.
Constructing T saps in trench from Bluff to J13 to form new firing line. Improve parapets and firing line generally.
Continued improvements, A and B Coys relieved by C and D.
5pm: Whole firing line from RND on right to Inniskillings on left stood to arms.
Continued improvements and construction of new firing line. Draft of 1 officer, 1 Sgt and 117 men joined the Battn.
Battn relived by Border Regt and went into Bde Reserve. A Coy in J10. B, C and D Coys in dug outs at Y ravine. Battn received second anti-cholera injections.
In Bde reserve. Fatigues, improving communications etc.
Draft of 3 officers, NCOs and men from 3rd and 4th Battn joined Battn, also NCOs and men rejoined Battn on recovery from wounds.
Relieved KOSB in Inniskilling trench and Border Barricade. B and C Coys in firing line, A and D in support.
Improving trenches etc.
During the night placed planks across trenches and at 4 am withdrew A and D Coys into ravines, where they spread out sheets and moved about in order to deceive enemy artillery which came over about 5.30am. At 9 am created clouds of dust along mule track, by dragging brushwood and blankets along by a rope, to represent strong reinforcements arriving.
2.30am: Artillery bombardment of enemy’s H trenches on right of our line command.
4.30pm: 88th Bde and 42nd Div attacked. At 4pm 87 Bde fixed bayonets, cheered and moved about in trenches, showing tips of bayonets above parapet to represent preparation for attack and to draw off fire from 88th Bde, at same time being in readiness to occupy J13 if enemy showed signs of retirement.
Continued improvements in fire and support trenches.
Lieut Colonel Agnew, MVO, DSO, R Scots Fus assumed command of battle. A and D Coys in firing line, relived by B and C Coys.
Improvements to trenches, fixing sniping and observation posts etc.
B and C in firing line relieved by A and D.
5am: Capt W Pike and GR O’Sullivan, and Lieuts Kingston and Hutchinson and 120 other ranks joined the Battn, the two former on recovery from wounds. Lieut Romilly killed.
Usual trench routine.
Turkish mine issuing from J12 towards Birdcage, was exploded, but not being sufficiently advanced it only gave the Birdcage a severe shaking destroying parapets etc. Enemy followed this up by heavy rifle fire under cover of which they crept to edge of Birdcage and threw in bombs. During night A Coy supported by C was occupied in holding enemy off by counter bombing, while parapets were rebuilt and the buried men excavated.
6pm: Orders received to be prepared to be relieved by 88th Bde early next morning and to proceed to Gully Beach.
11am: Battn relived by Essex and Hants Regts. Relief carried out by Coys. Several hours elapsed between the arrival of the various relieving Coys, causing great delay. Relief completed by 5.30pm. Moved into former dug outs on side of cliff between Gully and X beaches.
4.30pm: Orders received to prepare for embarkation the same night.
8.30pm: Bde left bivouack and marched to V Beach.
10pm: B Coys and half of C Coys embarked on trawler.
12.30 am: Remainder of Battn embarked on three trawlers then onto SS Osmanisch with five detachments SWBs and Border Regt. Strength 25 officers, 814 other ranks.
4.30am: First detachment disembarked Sulva Bay in tows and marched to 87 Bde bivouacks. No transport available. Battn employed on fatigues, bringing baggage up from beach. Battn in Corps Reserve.
Battn paraded at 4am and dug in in lines of section under cover of darkness.
Improved trenches and dug lines for Border Regt who were in firing line.
6.30pm: Orders received to move campin order to make room for 86th and 88th Bdes.
9.45pm: Moved into bivouac one and a half miles south, on sandy shore. Dug in till 3.30am. Water very scarce, had to sink four wells.
2pm: Orders received to move by night across Salt Lake to position S of G in Torgut Chesme.
7.30pm: Battn moved off with KOSB, SWB, Borders. Owing to some mistake Dublin Fusiliers broke in between KOSB and R Inniskilling Fus, which caused great delay and frequent halts on line of march.
10.45pm: Arrived in position in Bde Reserve. A, B and D occupied reserve trenches and dug outs round the hedges of fields, C Coy dug in.
Following orders received for attack on Hill 70 at 3pm following artillery bombardment.
Strength of Battn 19 officers, 758 other ranks.
2.30pm: Bombardment commences.
3.30pm: A, B, D Coys passed through KSOBs to assault of Hill 70, and seized the first trench about 3.40pm.
3.45pm: Part of the front line fell back, half way down the hill in disorder, suffering heavy casualties, but it was rallied within 150 yards of the top of the hill. The Borders and SWBs then came up in support. A second advance was then made up the hill but did not get home, the enemy standing on their parapets and firing from the hip and throwing hand grenades. The enemy’s shrapnel was very accurate and inflicted heavy casualties. Part of A and B Coys, with some Borders, Yeomanry and others, who had become mixed, collected under cover of a piece of dead ground, a small nullah, on the right and just below the crest line of the hill, reorganised and attempted under cover of sandbags to form a firing line, until sufficient men should arrive for the second charge to be developed. This assault was made at about 7pm and succeeded in reaching the first trench, which the enemy abandoned, but it was driven from the second trench and once more was forced to withdraw to its line of sandbags. All units of 87th Bde, with some yeomanry, by this time all mixed together, commenced to dig and consolidate.
11pm: Orders received that Battn on being relieved by remainder of Border Regt and SWBs was to withdraw and reorganise in rear of KOSBs. As the men retired they collected tools and carried them up to the firing line and every two men brought down one wounded. The small parties were collected and retired to bivouac at 1am. Roll called – strength 4 officers, 230 other ranks. Reorganised, parties of 6 men with blankets and waterproof sheets sent out all night to collect the wounded.
Dug communication trench up to firing line from reserve dug out.
5.30pm: Draft of 35 men joined the Battn.
7.30pm: Battn marched two and a half miles to 117 H5, and bivouacked for the night.
Battn engaged in digging dug outs and for water.
Digging and cleaning new lines in ravine with a view to accommodating drafts.
Fatigues for Batt and brigade digging lines.
Digging communication trench and trench for second line of defence.
Batt trench digging. Liut Col Morris, 1 Border Regt in command of Battn wounded by shell on road to A Beach. Batt ordered to move to lines on A Beach at dusk. On arrival Battn dug itself in.
Battn relieved of all fatigues and at 6.45pm ordered back to its original lines.
Battn and Bde fatigues. Lt Col Ward, Reserve officer from 1 Royal Dublin Fus, assumed command of the Battn.
Continuation of Battn lines and dug outs. In reserve.
In reserve. Continuation of lines. Digging trenches.
Ordinary routine. Ordered to dig for 87th Bde 8-12 pm on second line of defence, but this was cancelled owing to development of an attack by the Turks on our left and the increasing number of stray bullets.
Ordinary routine. Arrival at dusk of draft of 1 officer and 20 men from 3rd Batt.
Ordinary routine. At dusk half of A coy went down for 24 hours to rest camp, established at 116M for bathing and washing purposes. Fatigue party of 150 men for Res on second line from 8-12pm.
Ordinary routine. At dusk half B Coy to beach, on return of half of A Coy. Some fatigues for REs.
Sunday. Ordinary routine. Presbyterian Service 10.30am, Roman Catholic 5.30pm, Church of England 6.30pm. Major RC Pierce, 2 Lieut F Leathley and HTP Scully joined from Londonderry. Half C Coy to beach on return of half of B Coy.
Ordinary routine. Half of D Coy to beach on return of C Coy. Fatigue of 100 men for REs 8-12pm. This fatigue established by 87th Bde on regular routine. At dusk 2 officers and 100 men, 4th Worcestershire Regt arrived for temporary bivouacs in RIF lines.
Ordinary routine. Arrival of draft of 1 officer (Capt Hammond Smith) and 106 men from Londonderry.
Battalion employed for digging fatigues, preparing company lines and fatigues for RE, nightly 8-12pm. Beach parties of half company to beach for bathing and washing clothing. Scarcity of water; one gallon per man.
Lt Col J Ward appointed to command 163rd Brigade, Major RC Pierce assumes command. Fatigues as on the 8th.
Routine and ordinary fatigues as usual.
Routine and ordinary fatigues as usual.
Church parade. RCs 6.45 am, CofE 6.30pm. Engineer fatigue parties. Orders received for C Coy to be moved from their trenches to make way for a battery RFA.
Fatigue parties: 40 men working party daily 8am. 100 men under tw officers at 8pm. Water carrying parties etc. Ordinary routine.
Shrapnel landed amongst water guard, wounded all four of the guard including the sentry. One man died later of wounds received. Working party of one officer and 50 men for work in the firing line. Day warm, nights chilly.
Usual routine and working parties.
Church parades, usual routine.
Move to Imbros postponed 24 hours. Working parties and routine.
Working parties and routine. Baggage to battalion moved to A Beach preparatory to move the following day.
Left valley for embarkation to Imbros.
Weather too rough to permit landing troops. Only basic iron rations on board. No signs of moderation of weather. Orders received if unable to remain in harbour due to scarcity of rations to return to Sulva. Managed to borrow 100 lbs biscuits and 150lbs bully beef from ship.
Iron ration eaten. 2.30pm – two lighters arrived to take off battalion, RAMC and RE detachment. 5.15pmarrived rest camp with SWB, remainder of Bde marched in later.
Cleaning up camp and commanding officers inspection of kit etc.
Church parades.
Handling of arms, bathing parades.
Routine. Instruction in throwing bombs, machine gun instruction.
Same as 28th inst.
Routine. Reconnaissance of a position by officers and night operation for Btn. Weather hot.
Sunday. Strength decreased during the week owing to few cases of dysentery.
Warned that C in C will inspect Battalion in camp at 11.45, men to fall in but no parade. Warned that Battalion will proceed to Cape Helles same day. Noon – The C in C Sir Ian Hamilton inspected the Battalion. The C in C at his inspection regretted the losses that the Battalion had sustained and that it had fallen to such low numbers and said he intended to make a special effort to get out reinforcements. 4.30pm – embarked on the SS River Fisher. Strength 11 Officers, 244 other ranks. Arrived Lancashire Landing and disembarked at 7.40pm.
Improved existing shelter trenches and fatigue parties to unload dump from Sulva.
Site of trenches selected for winter quarters. Battalion fatigue commenced dug outs in three lines with communication trenches behind each line. Cookhouse in front centre 15 yards north of Ayr Street. The Brigade is still commanded by Lt Col Tindall Lucas.
Fatigues up to 12 midnight and during the day.
Fatigues up to 12 midnight and during the day.
Fatigues up to 12 midnight and during the day.
Fatigues till 10pm. The work is very heavy and few men available due to strength of Battalion being so small.
Sis shells into the current lines. No casualties, although two shells did pitch in two dug outs but only partially exploded.
Fatigues as usual. Strength 18 Officers, 231 other ranks.
Fatigues for improvement of lines preparatory to moving but move delayed 24 hours as dug out not sufficiently completed.
Bonfire lit near Pink Farm and two rockets fired followed by one round by each forward artillery gun and rifle fire.
New quarters drained. Very cold with wind.
Two rounds from Asiatic side, one exploding in dug out of OC, KOSB and killing Major Stoney. Walls of drainage trench to be heightened to lessen chance of enfilade from Asiatic side. Cold wind.
COs conference at Battalion HQ on machine guns. Working parties on main drainage.
Btn working parties on main drainage scheme. Drain cut through from HQ. 4PM: Battalion HQ subject to short burst of shelling.
COs conference at Battalion HQ on suitability of distribution of firing line. Shelled by Turkish field gun in the afternoon.
Battalion stood to arms at 5.30am in account of Turkish festival of Bairah. Heavy shelling by Turkish field gun in the afternoon.
Battalion stood to arms at 5.30am. Working party on drainage scheme. Gen de Lisle came along our lines. 1 am: Trenches subject to heavy shelling – Had 2 men killed and 3 wounded.
Battalion stood to arms at 5.45am. Battalion working parties on 40th Brigade ditch.
Battalion stood to arms till 6am. Slight shelling of lines, had one man wounded. 4pm – 10 shells in rapid succession. No damage done and no casualties.
Slight drizzle during morning, roads thick mud. Relief of SWB in trenches commenced platoon at a time. The Battalion organised into 4 platoons and HQ party. The trenches for the most part are very narrow and much work is needed to improve them. The sandbag parapet in danger of falling practically throughout. A firing step is being added. Work performed during night of 23/24th. Bright moonlight. Some wiring done under direction of RE. Parapets and parades of trenches improved. A little firing in reply to snipers. Some bombing.
Weather dull. Improvement of trenches continued. Many dead bodies buried in parapet and have to be reburied, Lieut French returned from Imbros where he had proceeded to draw stores, each Battalion under brigade arrangements being allowed to draw store to form a small regimental canteen. 9.30pm: One man marched from the Turkish trenches and handed himself in near bombing station. Prisoner believed to be Greek, forwarded under escort to 87 Bde.
Parades revetted in places where required. E11 deepened and widened. Main communication trench cleared of mud after last rain. Capt Kennedy of KSOB stopped work on enemy trenches owing to well placed bombs from his bombing party. Usual amount of sniping and trench firing.
Parapets rebuilt in places and firesteps improved. Deepened and broadened P6 sap. Preparation of Boundary Road as firing trench commenced. Mining extensively carried on given that extensive reports that Turks are mining near P7. Nothing definite ascertained. Periscope rifles just issued were successful in silencing a sniper opposite P7.
Relived by KSOB. Battalion installed as brigade reserve at Brownhouse and Eski Lines. Relief affected by 2.15pm. Heavy wind.
Fatigues on clearing up lines and improvement on communication trenches.
Same as above. Battalion in the Eski lines does fatigues carrying water and ammunition to the lines.
Fatigues as usual carrying water and ammunition.
Sunday. Early RC parade. We prepare for relief the following day by 1 Border Regt. Rain about 20.00 followed by heavy wind. Dark night.
Battalion relived at Brigade Reserve at the Eski Line and Brown House by 1 Border Rgt and returned to our old HQs in reserve. Machine gun section in firing line relieved by guns of 1 Border Regt. Relief effected at 12.15pm. Strength 14 officers, 306 other ranks. 22.00 draft of 1 officer and 147 other ranks arrived.
Battalion fatigue cutting terraces in cliff close to X beach to make winter quarters for two battalions of the 87th Bde. A small amount of shelling from Achi Baba and also from Asiatic side. Weather fine.
Fatigues half battalion at a time on cliff as 2nd inst.
Fatigues as usual. Enemy aircraft overhead, fired at by French artillery and chased off by British plane. 3pm: Commenced having the clothing of the whole battalion disinfected, 8 men at a time throughout the day and night. Battalion defeated 1/KSOBs in first round of Dardanelles football cup (1-0) after extra time.
Fatigues and disinfecting clothing continued as previous day. Hostile aircraft reported at 11.50. Weather hot and fine.
Fatigues and routine as usual. Weather warm and fine. A series of lectures are given by senior officers while battalion are in rest camp.
Sunday. Morning divine service for all denominations. 5.15pm: 1 officer and 20 other ranks left for a rest at Mudros. A rest camp being established there and battalions sending parties in proportion to their strength. 2-5pm: fatigues on cliff.
Fatigues and routine.
Relieved 2/SWB in brigade reserve at Eski Lines. Machine gun team to firing line, one KSOB attached. Burial party for 1 officer and 23 men and 1 Turk found 500 yards north of White House. 10.30pm: heavy rain.
Two casualties in MG section. Permanent fatigues for water, rations and ammunition to the firing line.
Fatigues and routine. 17.00: Battery of 18pdr (British) made very fair and continuous shooting at our cookhouse. A mortar with the pin still in fell into the parapet of the cookhouse. While in Eski Lines there are continuous complaints from each regiment that they are bombarded from the rear. The batteries always say it is the French artillery but there is no mistake that the shells are British made. Rain during the night.
Command relieving KOSB at 0900, completed at 12.00. Companies in the firing line: A company on the left, D company on right next to the French. B Company KSOB in support. Flares sent up at night. Improvement in artillery shooting – one 15lb shell from our own battalion burst on our parapet parades, doing no harm to man or material.
Bombardment shelters continued. New refuse pit dug. The enemy’s trench was bombarded between 1700 and 2300. Sniping light on extreme left and right, in centre marked increase. 1 casualty during the night. Further warnings against the likelihood of gas attack.
Usual sniping and trench firing. Repair to parapet and firing steps. Enemy reported working on parapets of own trenches. Patrol of Turks fired on by A company.
Made demonstration against E13 by increasing rate of firing and also making a show of bayonets as if about to attack in support of the 156th Brigade who at the signal of three mines being fired and supported by positions and guns rushed forward to seize G11 and H11. Turks fire on the line very heavy at first. Warning that possible chance of counter-attack to be looked out for. Very heavy rain at 21.30. Heavy rifle fire in the left all night especially before dawn. Casualties: 1 killed, 3 wounded.
Relieved in the firing line by 1st Border Regt and returned to Corps reserve. The trenches very muddy and the going consequently heavy. Turks counter attacked in the evening.
Supply Brigade and Corps fatigues. 50 men morning and evening to work on a cliff at new winter quarters. Very strong wind.
Very heavy tropical downpour, the whole of the dug outs being nearly washed out. The lines are 6 inches to a foot in water and mud. An extra issue of rum. But nothing could be done but to turn the men out to redig the washed away drains and make new ones.
Battalion continued to improve drainage of the lines which have now been altered 7 should show to better advantage next downfall. Complimentary wire received from 156th Brigade.
Fatigues as usual. Bitterly cold northerly wind.
Sunday. Divine service parades as usual. V cold. No parades in afternoon.
Fatigues and routine as usual.
Fatigues in the morning as usual. Inspection by CO preparatory to moving out at 4pm. Draft arrived: 3 officers and 110 men.
Relieved the SWB in the firing line. A Company KSOB attached and occupy E11. Work done. 14 bodies buried. 5 or 6 bombs thrown at our listening post from 0.33am.
Bombardment shelters continued. IMG position continued and then connected with York Hill Street.
One of our artillery batteries in the rear dropped a shell in the Horseshoe killing two men and wounding two. Our mining expert arrived at 12.30 but unable to substantiate report of Turkish mining.
Slanting shaft commenced and continuously worked rear of P4. Catapults threw 136 grenades and demolished about 15 yards of enemy parapet. Work continued on new kitchen.
First fall of snow and bitterly cold northerly gale. Relived by 1st KSOB and battalion returned to the Eski lines. Relief late owing to heavy mud in the trenches. On arrival men employed in trying to improve the trenches to get shelter against the wind. An increase in the number of sick attending hospital due to cold.
Another bitterly cold day. Men employed on continuation of new Eski lines and dig part of trenches through solid rock. Water fatigue increased owing to water at Tank wood being frozen.
Fatigues as before.
Work continued on the new Eski lines. One miner injured.
Fatigues as usual. Carrying water, ammunition and grenades for the battalion in the firing line.
Relived by 1st Border Regt and the battalion returned by half companies to the rest camp. The roads and trenches very wet.
The lines visited by Lt Gen Sir WT Bird, Major General Sir Francis Davies , Major General HA Lawrence and Brig Gen E Tindall Lucas. The last draft of 112 men have not been up to the standard of previous drafts. They appear only partially trained and with only a small knowledge of what is expected of them.
Church parades. The weather a good deal improved. To hospital during the week, 46, including 7 cases of frostbite. Strict instructions issued to minimise the cases of frost bite.
Anniversary of the Battalion leaving India. Calculation of casualties from commencement of campaign to 16.11.15, including original battalion and drafts sent out.
Killed in action, dead of wounds, died of disease: 267
Missing: 79
Wounded:1,001
Strength of original Battalion: 990
Drafts:1,205
Of the original Battalion that left India 6/12/14 there are now only 2 officers and 118 other ranks left. Of these only 34 have not left the peninsula.
Fatigues for Division as usual. Nearly every man in the Battalion doing 4 hours digging per day.
Fatigues as usual. Draft of one officer and 275 other ranks arrived and put in the lines of the Border Regt for the night.
Company Commander, MG officer, and Grenadier Officers and battalion staff went over the new part of the line to be taken over from the RND.
Took over from Hawke Battalion RND from two traverses west of the Denton Line and to U Communication trench. Day spent in attempting to clean up the lines and make latrines sanitary. The lines are in a filthy state and will require much and constant labour to make them at all respectable.
Cleaning of lines continued. Some latrines dug. Parapet and loopholes improved. Very moderate trench filling. About 8.30pm grenades were thrown by enemy into Southern barricade. Some enemy shelling in vicinity of support trench especially about 8.30. Killed 1, wounded 3.
Mine parapet improved. Cookhouse nearing completion. 22 yards of new firing line sapped. Our artillery replied twice to enemy shelling of our support lines. Enemy threw grenades into S Barricade about 1.30.
Rebuilding parapets and continuing new firing line. Enemy attempted to rebuild their parapet but were made to cease each time.
Work continued as above and on shelter trench. Our artillery intermittently shelled enemy trenches. A heavy shell hit parapet. Draft arrived, 1 officer and 21 men from Mudros.
Construction as above. Grenadiers work destroyed a stretch of enemy parapet. Enemy shelled front line and support trench at 1600 and 1630. 3 shells entering trench. One shell exploded and 4 killed and 2 wounded.
Work continued on shelter damaged by enemy gun fire. Some sniping and 258 grenades were thrown causing damage to enemy’s parapet. Casualties: 3 Killed, 5 wounded.
Parapets on left of sector rebuilt. Work continued on saps. Wire laid out in front of New Fusilier Street. Some sniping and m guns got one or two Turks during the day.
Casualties: 4 wounded.
Repairs and improvements in left sector to parapets. Fire opened on enemy airplane at 15.15. Rapid fire on Turkish working party. Casualties: 2 killed, 4 wounded.
Batt relieved in firing line by 1st Border Regt and Battalion returned to rest camp. Casualties: 1 killed, 1 wounded.
Batt in rest camp. C and D Coys accommodated in winter quarters on cliff adjoining X beach. Telephone message from HQ notifying evacuation of Sulva and ANZAC without enemy having knowledge of same. No casualties. Battalion strength: Officers 23, Other ranks 678.
Batt in rest camp. Ordinary routine of fatigues. Orders received at 4 pm for A and B Coys to evacuate rest camp and proceed to reserve trenches. Trenches found to be flooded, many places knee deep which made things for the night rather unpleasant.
All companies employed in repairing trenches. Site selected for permanent Batt HQ.
Batt in Eski lines. Complimentary message wishing the Batt a Happy Xmas from published in Batt orders. Xmas puddings from Lady Murray. Xmas parcel mails delayed, none to hand. Casualties: 1 wounded, 1 died of wounds.
Xmas Day. Batt in reserve. Xmas greetings received and exchanged. Batt employed in trench work and general fatigues.
Batt in reserve Eski lines employed in general fatigues and improving trenches. Christmas message in general orders from the King and Queen. Casualties: 1 killed.
Battalion relieved the 1st Border Regt in the firing line. Weather very unfavourable. Trenches in bad condition due to heavy rain. The Batt took over additional 200 yards in the direction of Gully Ravine. Casualties: 1 killed, 2 died of wounds, 1 wounded.
Drainage of fire trenches, support and communication trenches. Wire put of N of Northern Barricade. Active catapult and hand grenading throughout the night. Damage to enemy’s parapet and barbed wire observed. Casualties: 3 killed, 1 wounded.
In firing line. Improvement to trenches, saps etc. Enemy artillery throughout the day. Casualties: 3 killed, 1 wounded.
Work on fire trenches etc. All Regt baggage dispatched to beach for dispatch prior to evacuation. Casualties: wounded 4.
Batt in rest camp. Fatigues, cleaning up etc. Casualties: Nil.
In rest camp. Ordinary routine. Casualties: Nil.
Batt relieved 1st Border Regt in firing line at 5am. Light marching order and one blanket. Improvements and repairs to firing trenches. Heavy artillery bombardment of enemy lines at 13.00. Our machine gun fired on enemy during bombardment. 18 NCOs left for Mudros. Casualties: Wounded, 1.
Work on blocking and saps, repairs. Collecting up surplus stores, SAA etc found in the area. 300 grenades fired into enemy trenches. 3 wounded, weather fair.
Preparation of obstacles and booby traps. Smoothing and cleaning avenues to facilitate retirement. 23.30 Silence until half an hour before dawn. Our guns maintained a heavy bombardment of enemy from 14.00 to 16.00. Casualties: 1 killed, 2 wounded.
General work on saps and trenches, and obstacles and booby traps. Patrols sent out during silence but nothing to report. Casualties: 5 wounded.
General work in trenches, on obstacles and booby traps. Killed 0, 3 wounded, strength, all ranks, 493.
General trench work. Z Day. EVACUATION. It was not until midday yesterday that the Battalion was officially told it was Z day, the final day of the evacuation. The strictest march discipline had to be maintained. The men’s footsteps were muffled by wearing strips of blankets over their boots. Before dusk the first party, ie the First Trip, moved off according to timetable. The parties of the Second Trip were duly dispatched. Then a long wait ensued, the normal procedure was followed, firing and bombing allowed to die down and at 11.45 the final parties of the Third Trip commenced their move to Battalion control. The united parties then marched down the Up Mule Trench and followed on past Pink Farm to the forming up place which was reached at 1.30am.
The wind and sea were rising however, eventually on going down to the small pier, against each side of which were two or three lighters. The naval and military embarking officers hustled them on by sixes and sevens. The lighters got under way at 2.50am and a couple of hundred yards away the men boarded the Destroyer HMS Staunch. The Destroyer took men on board for a long time, and did not leave till 4am. Reached Imbros after 8am. There were no casualties in the evacuation.
