THE LAST OF ANZAC
[CHAPTER XXX]
THE LAST OF ANZAC
And so we come to the end of the Great Adventure.
The withdrawal from Gallipoli was suggested to Sir Ian Hamilton as early as October 11. It was the subject of a report by Sir Charles Monro, the skilful British general upon whose plans the transference of the British Army on the Western front to the northern position opposite Ypres was so successfully carried out. It was considered by Lord Kitchener upon the spot in November, and his opinion that it was not only necessary, but immediately necessary, may be held to have clinched the matter.
The men of Anzac divined that it was about to take place early in December, when the liberality with which they were supplied with certain creature comforts gave them cause to consider. They decided that it must be about time for them to go, for they knew that their stores would not be moved when they left. Therefore, they argued, we are being allowed to consume them to prevent the necessity for their wanton destruction. It was close and accurate reasoning.
During the fortnight that preceded December 19, the night of the actual withdrawal, there was a gradual movement of equipment and men from Gallipoli by night. But the greater part of the work had to be crowded into one night, and for this delicate operation unusual weather conditions were essential. Strong winds and a rough sea are the normal condition of the Gulf of Saros at this time of the year. A smooth sea was an imperative necessity for the abandonment of the peninsula. This condition was fortunately granted, and conduced greatly to the wonderful success which attended the execution of the elaborate plan of withdrawal.