Letter · 6 Aug 1915 · Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Just before the battle, Mother.
He was awarded the military medal for the following action: London Gazette, 17 April 1917, p3700] 'At Bois Grenier on the morning of the 21st February during the raid by the 2nd Auckland Battalion this NCO in the face of heavy shelling effected the repair of his mortar and was thus able to keep it in action during the whole period of the raid, as a defective rifle mechanism required constant adjustment he set a splendid example to the rest of the detachment by his courage and fearlessness under heavy fire.'
Extracts from this letter
"Dear Mother, This Is what is called 'Just before the Battle Mother.' In a few hours time our great battle takes place. Up until a few days ago there were only N.Z. and Australian troops here but these last few nights thousands of English, Welsh, Irish and Indian troops have landed."
"Our station is in the centre of the most advanced trench of the Australian infantry as we shall be in the thick of it all the time. On both sides of us our men have to jump out of our trenches and charge. Everybody is busy sharpening bayonets, sewing white labels on their backs, inspecting resperators [sic] and field dressing, and having a last good feed before the great slaughter. By this time tomorrow thousands of good men will have fought their last fight."
"An extra Hospital ship has just arrived and a lot of new dressing stations have been dug out for the unlucky. The N.Z., English and Indian troops are going to rush the high hills on the left and the Australians have the tough job on the right. Everybody is ready and full of fight and if we don't get this high hill in front it won't be out [sic] fault..."
