Letter · 16 Oct 1915 · Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Muddling through
GS Richardson was a high-ranking military official who led a number of units (NZ and British) and was promoted through the war. For his bio, see: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3r16/richardson-george-spafford
Extracts from this letter
"Sir Ian Hamilton is leaving us today - He is being suspended ...He is a very clever general but has not had the men to do the task allotted to him"
"We are muddling through as no one but England knows how to muddle through - however I must not say too much in a letter ... You know how hard it is to train men & Officers & new troops hurriedly trained are not worth the same number of well trained troops"
"I have been at it now since the beginning of the show & I would like a change, but I want also to see it through - Honours, rewards & medals have no charm for me - I want England to wake up & put every man in & to put the thing through quickly - to beat the enemy and get back to normal life again ... don't allow anything I have said to be published"
"I was very upset over poor old Price - He lost his number rather early. He died gallantly & was a good chap. His turn would have come later as every fellows turn does if only he lasts long enough. I hope you won't come here - This is no place for married men - but professional soldiers must take their chance as it is their job."
