A CONFERENCE ON WALKER'S RIDGE,
December, 1915.
Generals Birdwood, Godley, and Holmes, Colonel Paton, and
Lt.-Colonels Ferguson, Collett, and G. H. N. Jackson.[ToList]
"B," "C," and "D" Companies were in the front line in that order from the right. "A" Company was in reserve. The first-named unit had a considerable length of trench to deal with—part of which was known as "Bully Beef Sap," and ran down into Monash Gully opposite to Pope's Post. From the top of this sap a magnificent view of the southern part of the Peninsula could be obtained, and it was to that point that Lord Kitchener was brought on the occasion of his visit. Behind the right flank of the position, and leading down into Reserve Gully ran a deep wide trench known as "Broadway." This constituted the main traffic road for the bringing up of supplies and reinforcements. Behind this again, and on the edge of the cliff, was a pile of stores containing seven days' supply of biscuits and preserved meat together with ammunition. Inspections by Generals Birdwood and Godley, and the Divisional Commander, at frequent intervals, were an index to the importance of the position in their eyes.
The Battalion now came under bombardments which were indulged in by the enemy three or four times daily. Six-inch shells, filled with black powder, were common but did little damage—except to the earthworks. Some of these could be observed in flight as they traversed the position and fell over into one or other of the ravines. "Whizz-bangs" were more deadly, and shrapnel accounted for a number of casualties which, during the stay in the line, amounted to two killed and 11 wounded. One of these smaller shells tore away the tarpaulin which covered the Quartermaster's stores and was followed immediately by a heavy shell which landed right amongst them and scattered biscuits and tins of bully beef broadcast.
At 8 o'clock on the night of the 9th December an explosion occurred in one of the enemy's deep-level tunnels. No damage was done to our garrison or works. The Turk followed this up with such a concentrated rifle and machine-gun fire across the Nek as had never before been experienced by the Battalion. An hour later all was normal again, and the indications seemed to point to the subterranean eruption having been accidental and attributed by the Turk to our side as the precursor of an attack.
The 28th did not submit tamely to the frequent bombardments. Our artillery, from both land and sea, replied in a spirited manner. Hand bombs were also thrown, and the small trench mortars, catapults, and Japanese trench mortar, were brought constantly into play. One of the bombs of this last-named weapon was observed to penetrate into a trench, and the explosion which followed threw into the air various articles of personal apparel. Shortly afterwards a Turk was seen to emerge barefooted from the trench, walk deliberately into No-Man's Land, and remove a pair of boots from the feet of a dead body lying there. He returned to his shelter without having been observed by the snipers.
The 11th December brought a surprise for the Battalion. It was informed that in accordance with the policy of reducing the garrisons during the winter months, the 7th Brigade would embark on the following day. The Divisional Commander's plan included the relief of the garrison of Russell's Top by the 20th Battalion. That afternoon a party of the New South Wales unit, consisting of the C.O., three majors, and the Adjutant, came along Broadway with the intention of making preliminary arrangements for the next day's move. Unfortunately they were caught by a burst of shrapnel and the three majors were killed.
THE VIEW FROM RUSSELL'S TOP, LOOKING INTO MALONE GULLY.
Official Photo. No. G. 1879. Copyright by Australian War Museum.[ToList]
By noon of the 12th December the 20th Battalion had taken over the line, and the Western Australians moved down to Happy Valley. Here preparations were commenced for the impending move. These included, apart from the assembly and packing of baggage, the collection and destruction of all scraps of letters, documents, or newspapers. Whilst engaged in this task shrapnel "overs" slightly wounded Captain J. Kenny, the Regimental Medical Officer, and Lieut. E. G. Glyde.