On October 20, 1915, in London, I received instructions to proceed as soon as possible to the Near East and take over the command of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.
General Monro's orders on arrival.
My duty on arrival was in broad outline:
(a) To report on the military situation on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
(b) To express an opinion whether on purely military grounds the Peninsula should be evacuated or another attempt made to carry it.
(c) The number of troops that would be required—
(1) To carry the Peninsula.
(2) To keep the strait open, and
(3) To take Constantinople.
Military defects in positions occupied.