Diary relating to the First World War Service of Brigadier General, Harold Edward 'Pompey' Elliott, 15th Brigade - Part 2

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Status:
Finalised
Accession number:
AWM2018.19.94
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 14

it sonedf the 9 Bottalon satt o pnt of drom he was privling in still fwther to fom then I tonay I losd all conteot of my conamies for tho others oppear t have confoned to Bendewons mornents man of the offcer & NCD0 were raghly putont of action& tho who remaned failed Indicat then positen me. I was lott to leave my portion as I was still in hope of colletin the lalance of the Regiment tactas a local reserve & it was imooully to ree any distance mnet penk I tharor sent back the R.S.M. im Bealt to bur up amuul as a reverv & sntous messengen wit different cons taocean then position Late or havge received a message possopt Herderon that a lange jrceof Turks wre advadenep the right I moved up on the Plateau of M Caya hilll & woralmost imnediately bot through thet dwvolly My sience anrel
Comwond Major Blegard had been sevcrly wounded shorlly beforethe Id not repostedta to the Brigide that we wre lost disabled + tho Conmand had to Major Zackon assere desolved on may ham be who hovere in fereilly wouded before my mersage realled him. Thi left Caps Hendewn mad owilt him Capt Hentor CaptDeddell & a few sulatterns. Bath Herdam & Hunter were killed a the Brithea Advance on the 8 May ss I found at Verydifficult tarcertan what cose to action look aftenards The Regiental seary from the hime entiting return of the 3d gan ear Kpthy Capt A. Fulldthe sent f 6loy apmondny Adjutant I should not critecise don here my mperior ofherr but our Brigedier Dol M Cay althang to he deprcary gaived consideratly fame as a brdde man was for from lay an idead Commander. He had little forth in any ones ability save his on & constantly interfered with the arranevents properly belonng to m Badalin Coade e u ampllely deprised thea you on cature & sons emmatitie
frint f cary of t tler polime I of th deary ended in t 4th1 30Sept lart when I takk the opportunity o sadingst t Derliatia by L Whleton suring the Interat of 6 week then was nothing importance to record fom amilstary poindof Veer then pent in I round of Visits Find & connectin england while recorcinging tutgth on this datshmve I lefs peymouth. then I had sone 3days earlier reported to Col his N. moore for general ferner proceeded by trop train to Livcyool when in arrived at about 7 pm. Weltmewas Majos Robert of the 11th Batte & me pushalss officer & 2os decails winded I now returnin also 2 ppear &f00 Mev2 delaits. At Liverpoot we emfarked on the Traniort Olympicgul the2 canget this io prtence $$5000 tofarder. On her I had most comfortatle quarter . a very loge calih t myself with Hardabe. Balt ets altocted Sleckrer Healig appaiaton et.
Found ourselves at dayheak Nr15. pullugont of the Horlor Deir but probably dediation is empret Mudies as no otherhailor lacept Malta would admit a thys of pust huge tounage Thatwill wit weall right as I believe the Rigment is stell then resting nce the 16th Sept. The day was cod + steity. We wre preceeded by destroyers right down the Charmnel leteven Sylard & Ireland. Inth afternon I regrsted t the O.C. Proops or Board. Met Lt Burrows N768 full quiet days Hightly searick Gradually Aurtiatiar of yous coming tryther at my latt whot to deated. 17t Morning Clark & dismal. Hilt a trifle Seasiete ntactually by squamest nttury to repoit all day 18 Thursday. Brightes today. Some little a o gntin houble today Wajor Fuly officer found incatrinesn a filthy state & reported it to te Lnist Medical officer & tMC.O troops & ventured on a Suggeston for its amerdment to the great indignaton of the latter who arked him who the Hell he was & midt he would
not be distated to that then thens were the jot of the Quarter Master & st of the medical officer. He is evidently sme poor old dug out posil who has neglected the f study of his proposi for long. Als Major Fultton found that the Gliard had no parade ground thos then was no sentry ver the Asmonry nore told of CM Brats in the event of alarm. Hall the mer dont attend parodes but remain onr the troopdec duing inspection - yet soe of then officer haw the effrontery to meer at th discopi of ur oer sone had the impidince to ask Do you thenk thermer of yours is sland ey tit whe they reach the front He received the reply te poor I have alreaty stood ey Sir. o we are all woulded relurning. He was then arked if that applied to to oficers & received the useyl Treat uneannen io desplayed atout sbnarmes - we consatitly charg ourcourse already have run wer 600mele longechun that cernal & we still zilgoe about with te ye
of not passing the straits of Gibrolton untit of t dark 19 Ror Friday! We paind Gebraltor about 3 pr last evening & ale now foirly into the meditiance Wis said we should reach mudroson Monday next. 20 Nr Interday. A doll quiet day. Weather getting much narmer. Leclpline on Board muct neglcted. Buards do not mount properly and got relieved anyhow. Lalines in a fod statl 21st Nor Sunday. Knight& Warn. Iridently we shall arrivd somewhere tomorrow as ofpecal portcarel have been printed a made arsilable stating that we arrived af our distratin Fonerhere is the sait and loe tgin a good account ofonrvelus. This is sid to lave occarred or Monday 22d No I have touched word for luck on that propheay. Thunch parade tday. I didnt attend Weat Lt Gardner N.2 tuce aschers yistuday. I dont think he was very pleaser 22d Monday. Arrived at Mudros safely about Noork. Strong gale blowing & very cold now awaitirg orders. The Charborh is packed from end tend with shyping. on the
shores are rows of tents. We anchosed in the t very entrance almost of the inner prtor to wait for instruction no doubt as to where we are to berth 25th Tuesday, & quiet day yesterday, Read thrly, played I gaves of Chers with Lo Gardoe W.2. Played very ladly. He should have non both but I managed to pave the snone. Honewd whateres as t omr next morement I believe that the Brigade is on the Island but have no mean of proving it guit in rear of us is a transport from Hustraler with reinforcinets for the 17t the 32nd Battalion Ablentioliam This shows that the 7 Brigade of whit we have heard nothing has arrived. They signalled this dreas to nore of our menor Board. It iswaretday 24 Wednesday Was enjormed yesterday that the 2nd Brigade had returned to Myoc & accordiingly enternewed the M Landing Officer t request the sentor at once He eaed the w Brigade had give back t Dgne but could give me mothily definite about being sent t repen them, bubog Major Markwell AK.H. Regt came abbord and told me that the were still here that they had attempted to land but orong to the rough weather had t put back
25th Thursday. Very lold today. Wrems the petty depnite that the St Lave gove back & AMAC. now. Capt Chanter &tol Blarcon Capt Bill &other Le Haffcin came aboard today & io reported Lotes Had a message from Major gackoos abod the H.Ms Cornwalles asking did I know if the I Batt had returned to AN.2AC today? I had no infornation one way or the other. 26 Friday. Still at Mudros Everybody getting very nok of thirgs. Tale blownpon it sort. 23 Saturday, Internewed the N.L. Officer again. Told me I could not go to ANEAC as present as the 1s Devision are benng withdrawn and are t go to dgypt bavng tonight. If this be the case it was beautiful Staft work sendng the 7th on to HNEAC or Thursday to bing then back again tonight. It is a dull rainyday with heavy for at Sea. 2unday. The monotory of enistence aloard this phy is becoming appalting. officer generally ancononging for to much liguor Sambig is rife. on ofpcer is inderanrest on inofcion of stealing money fron the cabon of another officier to pay
his gantling debto. One of thomer aboard attempted tt commit sincid by cutting his throat. A little snow has commenced the first of the reason to fall. mondo Still cold and slight mow folling. Ha rough. Some H. Engiven fpeen aloved are of opinin that th yf Batt are still ashore mrt lop furguem of the Kifle He beatme ti at ther 20th Aoonday: Sea Smorth this morning tew thening 1st Sec Wednerday. Stell no more, Water runnery short abtand. Thank Heaver they will have too wolthing withno Ihortl 2n Dec. Thursday. Instructions to disembark tomorrow at Law 3 Dec Friday, Insembarted at Mudrstar marched 2 4 miles to Camy. In afternaon Majo Rors of wotea walk to Portinos Village & had a look at the Greek Church there. hove nice mural + cerling decoration 4t Dec Snturday, Obtained leave & Vinterr Village of Caster the Capital of the Island alout 8 or qmile awray. on the was sack we dereated teold Therman where they are not meneral spings
& taths, saw verypetty girl 4 reavold serpricor - tt daughter of the prprietor 5 December Sunday, Reorganyed all mr i Depot into s training Battation. In afternon went out t the Aragon & received order to more to Msc with 2o officer of 160 dandopl 6 Dec Imlarked for H.N.EAC 7Sec Regoied Battatin wVictoria Gally st 7. om Reported to Brigade. In Gvening reportend to Division, Collet or Rob Smith. 8 Dec Inspected the "Lone Pin Frenches much Bob Knell impressed with improvement - Had dinnws 9 Dec A quiet day. Redd some letters considerable artiltery Boorbardmnt from eveny Our shyis carried or heavy rowbardment at Helbs 10 Seo. Applied to have a newter of officers struct off the Penngth tother placed or the Papermnanglest. 120 135 14
17 18t 19 Left ANEAC in Hoopital Phy 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29 30 9 Ryomed I at TCCxc KEBIR.
26 27 Yet
Intelligune 16 Fct Setel. Leton. Rly Extarkant fet Atn Arcyela working Party. Roadway 70 90 100 soldie - Telopone t Buga con 5ovemen -lenicuassss Bet. 6 molan gaive 10 180 homs picketed 45 monted sou dullig 30 muler $50 lost comet 70 camels later aut graw arrived 9th Let Hall Pentil 50 Syrian toldrers 11t 4 mie nort of Bis el Themada pos of 3 unt &15 Lyriar toldeer Sata 5000 Yerar may Tinks & Bo0camel the gus. Patiol vnt sook for otall acroplane can 9th Jeb Wadi Agherdara Patrol 17 oddrers &2 ctiat gendr G Tranyort cames sented Sf Blilan n8 13t He Gebel in Makhana Patrol off faond off. 5 slden & Ecals 11t Bir c Thensda 1N.P0. & 9m 13 Aisbnet conel 97ch o Received Instiuction Sproceed to Felal Relii lateo command of n Brigode 16. Feb. Tel it relis. Arrived last night very kindly received by Staff. It in a great responablit 4oro leves. Rode round with General Smythe Imet Commanding Officers Lo Cl Heane J.F.O. Major Horll Sprice (. Oror) Major Scotd & Major Stephens. I like theook of all particularly Heane. I meet them all at 2.pon today to discuss matters later. I met bny Battalion Commander the & longany Combarders stalked with them They reen a likely lot Keer swiling. I like my stay to 17ofet. Getting into things. Had a side round ofering things. The Saff ar purely Brghis - Good but I would profer Chistration Iruppor the will be emporble
Litr Atn. Ahe Pt Kly 18Fet. General Chaurel arrived totay Onlyhad a short talk. Receredaby mail from home. Probably mony or 19th Jet. Mes Bertdayt at Nation I got Rain Badge ats. Hoful to happs. Lacksof hynfathy here belien myselft the ner Hope it way emprove 20 Fet Sunday, Chruat thrade foctory Inspeti of lines latter sery Good. Heledtirs hym an impristion tme to rely going. Fight the good fight with all thy sight& Lead Kindly Lighs 21 Feb. Rode out to Rifle Kange witt Brllation in Mr morning. Good mart desciplire was maintained. Appeared rather Flor getting to work. Met senl Irving who has co to take weithonew 15th Brigade. Sow a number of landidite for Commission Fet Rode up & hw remnant of 5862 22 Ballatin who are to from the Battation, Major O.B. Stewart incharge of 578 Should dowell. Hear I am not tobe actowed to take my horre for the 76 This is very pad. Rod round perfunitorily t the different Battalin

some of the 9th Battalion still in front
of him he was pushing on still further to join them
Is this why I lost all control of my companies for 
the others appear to have conformed to
Hendersons movements many
of the officers & NCOs were rapidly
put out of action & those who remained
failed to indicate their position to
me. I was loth to leave my position
as I was still in hopes of collecting
the balance of the Regiment to act as
a local reserve & it was impossible
to see any distance into the [[?]].
I sharply sent back the R.S.M.
to the Beach to bring up ammunition
as a reserve & sent out messengers
to the different Coy's to ascertain
their positions. Later on having a
received a message from Capt
Henderson that a large force of
Turks were advancing from
the right I moved up on top of
the Plateau of McCays Hill
& was almost immediately
disabled by a shot through the right
ankle. My second in

 

Command Major Blezard had been
severely wounded shortly before this
to now reported that to the Brigadier
that we were both disabled & the
Command had in Major Jacksons
absence devolved on Major [[ Fraser ?]]
who [[however?]] was subsequently
severely wounded (& invalided) before my message 
reached him. This left Capt Henderson
in Command & with him Capt Hunter
& Capt Weddell a few subalterns.  Both Henderson & 
Hunter were killed in the Krithia Advance 
on the 8th May, [[so?]] I found it very difficult 
to ascertain what course the action
took afterwards.
The Regimental diary from this time
until my return of the 3rd June
was kept by Capt S [[Grills ?]] (then 
Lieut) of C Coy. & afterwards my
Adjutant.
I should not criticise [[even?]] here my superior
officers but our Brigadier Col McCoy although he
deservedly gained considerable fame as a brave man was far
from being an ideal Commander. He had little
faith in any ones ability save his own &
constantly interfered with the arrangements
properly belonging to his Battalion Commanders
& [[com?]] which completely deprived them of any
initiative & sense of responsibility. 

 

Private Diary of H. E. Elliott
14th Nov.  Volume I of this diary ended on the
30 Sept last when I took the opportunity
of sending it to Australia by Lt Whileton
during the interval of 6 weeks there was
nothing of importance to record from
a military point of view. it being
spent in a round of Visits to friends
& connections in England while
recovering my strength. On this
date however I left Weymouth
(where I had some 3 days earlier
reported to Col Sir N. Moore for
General Service) proceeded by
troop Train to Liverpool where we
arrived at about 7 pm. With me was
Major Roberts of the 11th Battn & some 15
officers & 200 Australian details wounded & sick
returning also 2 officers & 100 men in 2
details. At Liverpool we embarked on
the Transport Olympic one of the grand
the 2nd largest ship in existence
45,000 [[gross hinden?]]. On her I had most
comfortable quarters. A very large
cabin to myself with wardrobe. 
Bath etc attached Electric Heating
apparatus etc. 

 

Nov 15. Found ourselves at daybreak
pulling out of the harbour. Our
destination is unknown but probably
"Mudros" as no other harbour in the Mediterranean except
Malta could admit a ship of
such huge tonnage. That will suit
me all right as I believe the Regiment
is still there resting since the 16th
Sept. The day was cold & sleety. We
were preceeded by destroyers right
down the Channel between England
& Ireland. In the afternoon I reported to
the O.C. Troops on Board. Met Lt Burrows

Nov 16th Full quiet day - slightly seasick
Gradually Australian officers coming
together at my [[behest?]]. Wrote to Katie.

" 17th Morning dark & dismal. Felt a
trifle seasick - not actually by but squamish
nothing to report all day

" 18th Thursday. Brighter today. Some little
trouble today. Major Fulton, an Australian
officer acting as "Field Officer'' of the Day found the latrines in a filthy
state & reported it to the Senior Medical
Officer & to the C.O troops & ventured on a
suggestion for its amendment to the
great indignation of the latter who asked
him who the Hell he was & said he would 

 

"not be dictated to" that these things
were the job of the Quarter Master & not
of the medical officer. He is evidently
some poor old dug out fossil who has
neglected the part study of his profession
for long. Also Major Fulton found that
the [[Guard]] had no parade ground that
there was no sentry over the Armoury
none told [[off to the?]] Brats in the event of
alarm. Half the men don't attend
parades but remain on the troop deck
during inspection - Yet some of these
officers have the affrontery to sneer
at the discipline of our men some
had the impudence to ask "Do you
think these men of yours would will stand
up to it - when they reach the front
He received the reply "the poor
f----s have already stood up to it.
For we are all wounded returning.
He was then asked if that applied
to the officers & received the like reply.
Great uneassiness is displayed about
submarines - we constantly change
our course already have seen over
600 miles longer course than usual
& we still zigzag about with the object 

 

of not passing the straits of Gibraltar
until after dark.

19th Nov Friday. We passed Gibraltar about 7 pm last
evening & are now fairly into the Mediterranean
It is said we should reach Mudros on
Monday next.

20th Nov Saturday. A dull quiet day. Weather
getting much warmer. Discipline on Board
much neglected. Guards do not [[mount?]]
properly and get relieved anyhow. Latrines in
a bad state still.

21st Nov Sunday. Bright & warm. Evidently we shall
arrive somewhere tomorrow as official [[postcards?]]
have been printed & made available stating that we
arrived at our "destination" "Somewhere in
the East" and "hope to give a good account
of ourselves". This is said to have occurred
on "Monday 22nd Nov". I have "touched wood"
for luck on that prophecy. [[Official?]] parade
today. I didn't attend. Beat Lt Gardner N.Z.
twice at chess yesterday. I dont think he
was very pleased.

22nd Monday. Arrived at Mudros safely about
Noon. Strong gale blowing & very cold
Now awaiting orders. The harbour is packed
from end to end with shipping. On the 

 

shores are rows of tents. We anchored in the santa
very entrance almost of the inner harbour to
wait for instruction no doubt as to where we
are to berth

23rd Tuesday, A quiet day yesterday, Read "Shirley" played
2 games of Chess with Lt Gardner N.Z. Played very
badly. He should have won both but I managed to save
the 2nd one. No news whatever as to our next movement
I believe that the Brigade is on the Island but
have no means of proving it. Just in rear of us is
a transport from Australia with reinforcements
for the 17th to the 32nd Battalions Australians
This shows that the 7th Brigade of which we have
heard nothing has arrived. They signalled this
news to some of our men on Board. It is warm today

24th Wednesday Was informed yesterday that
the 2nd Brigade had returned to Anzac
& accordingly interviewed the M. Landing
Officer to request to be sent on at once
He said the 2nd Brigade had gone back
to Anzac but could give me nothing definitive
about being sent to refresh them. [[Subsequently?]]
Major Markwell 2nd L. H. Regt came
aboard and told me that the 7th & 8thwere 
still here that they had attempted to
land but owing to the rough weather
had to put back. 

 

25th Thursday. Very cold today. It seems
to be pretty definite that the 7th have gone
back to ANZAC now. Capt Charles LtCol
[[Glascow?]] Capt Bell & other L. H officers
came aboard today & so reported
[[Lotes?]] Had a message from Major Jackson aboard the
"H.M.S. Cornwallis" asking "Did I know if the 7th Batt
had returned to AN.ZAC today". I had no
information one way or the other.

26th Friday. Still at Mudros. Everybody getting very
sick of things. Gale blowing from the East.

27th Saturday, Interviewed the M.L. Officer
again. Told me I could not go to ANZAC
at present as the 1st Division are being
withdrawn and are to go to Egypt leaving
tonight. If this be the case it was beautiful
staff work sendng the 7th on to ANZAC on
Thursday to bring then back again tonight.
It is a dull rainy day with heavy fog at
Sea.

28th Sunday. The monotony of existence aboard
this ship is becoming appalling. Officers
generally all consuming far too much
liquor. Gambling is rife. One officer
is under arrest on suspicion of stealing
money from the cabin of another officer to pay 

 

his gambling debts. One of the men aboard
attempted to commit suicide by cutting
his throat. A little snow has commenced
to fall, the first of the season

29th Wednesday Monday Still cold and slight snow
falling. Sea rough. Some A. Engineer officers
aboard are of opinion that the 7th & 8th Battn
are still ashore. Met Capt Ferguson
of the R. I. Rifles. He beat me twice at Chess

30th Thursday Tuesday Sea smooth this morning
Sun shining

1st Dec Wednesday. Still no more. Water running
short aboard. Thank Heaven they will
have to do something with us shortly

2nd Dec. Thursday. Instructions to disembark
tomorrow at 6am

3rd Dec Friday, Disembarked at Mudros East
marched 2 1/2 miles to Camp. In afternoon
Major Ross & I took a walk to Portianou
Village & had a look at the Greek Church
there. Some nice mural & ceiling decorations

4th Dec Saturday, Obtained leave & visited
Village of [[Kastro?]] the Capital of the Island
about 8 or 9 miles away. On the way
back we deviated to visit Therma
where there are hot mineral springs 

 

& baths, saw very pretty girl 4 years old
[[reprecore?]] - the daughter of the proprietor

5th December Sunday, Reorganized all
such men in Depot into 3 training
Battalions. In afternoon I went out to
the Aragon & received orders to move
to ANZAC with 20 officers & 116 [[?]]

6th Dec Embarked for AN.ZAC

7th Dec Rejoined Battalion in Victoria Gully at
7.am Reported to Brigade. In evening reported
to Division, Called on Bob Smith.

8th Dec Inspected the "Lone Pine" Trenches. Much
impressed with improvements - Had dinner with Bob Smith.

9th Dec A quiet day. Read some letters
Considerable artillery Bombardment from evening
Our ship carried a heavy bombardment
at Helbs

10th Dec. Applied to have a number of officers
struck off the [[strength?]] & others placed on
the Supernumerary list.
11th
12th
13th
14th
15th
16th 

 

17th
18th
19th Left ANZAC in Hospital Ship
20th
21
22
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 Rejoined 7th at TEL EL KEBIR.
10
11 

 

12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
1 Feb
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 

 

Intelligence 16 Feb.
Getel. Lilns. Rly Embarkment
6th Feb  Atn [[Arciyila?]] Working Party. Roadway 70
9th              100 soldiers - [[Telephone to Auja?]]
[[Auja?]]     5000 men - [[being mercenaries?]]
10th Feb      6 [[munition guns?]]
                      130 horses [[ picketed?]]
                      45 mounted [[men dulling?]]
                       30 mules & 50 [[giant?]] camels
                       70 camels laden with grain arrived
9th Feb   [[Hall Pentil?]]
                 50 Syrian soldiers
11th    4 miles north of Bir el Themadu
part of 3 units & 15 Syrian soldiers
Sata
5000 Germans many trucks & 1000 camels
7 big guns.  Patrol sent north for
suitable aeroplane base
9th Feb Wadi [[Agherdara?]]
Patrol 17 [[orders?]] & 2 Arab [[gendre?]]
4 Transport camels - visited El Hitan in'8 Bn
13th Feb [[Getil in Malthassa?]]
Patrol off bound sth. 5 soldiers & 4 Arabs
11th  Bir el Themadu 1 N.C.O. & 9 men & 5 Arab [[?]] camels
 


9 Feb
10
11
12
13
14
15 Feb Received Instructions to proceed to Tel el Kebir [[under?]]
command of 9th Brigade

16 Feb. Tel el Kebir. Arrived last night. very kindly
received by Staff. It is a great responsibility -
4000 lives. Rode round with General Smythe V.B.
& met Commanding Officers Lt Col Heane
D.S.O. Major Howell-Price (Mil.Cross) Major Scott
& Major Stephens. I like the look of all
particularly Heane. I meet them all
at 2.pm today to discuss matters.
Later, I met bny Battalion Commander
& their Company Commanders & talked with
them. They seen a likely lot
Keen & willing. I like my staff
too.

17th Feb. Getting into things. Had a ride
round observing things.
The staff are purely English - Good
men but I would prefer Australians
I suppose this will be impossible 

 

18th Feb. General Chauvel arrived today
Only had a short talk. Received a big
mail from home. Probably missing some

19th Feb. Met Bert [[Layt]] at Station & got Rank
Badges etc. Dont feel too happy. Lack of
sympathy here between myself & the new
men. Hope it way improve

20th Feb Sunday, Church Parade today. Inspection
of lines latter very Good. Selection of
hymns an inspiration to me to
keep going: "Fight the good fight with
all thy might" & "Lead Kindly Light"

21st Feb. Rode out to Rifle Range with
3rd Battalion in the morning. Good march
discipline was maintained. Appeared
rather slow getting to work. Met Genl
Irving who has come to take over the new
15th Brigade. Saw a number of candidates
for Commissions.

22nd Feb Rode up & saw remnant of 5th & 6th
Battalions who are to form the 57th & 58th
Battalions. Major J.C. Stewart in charge
of 57th Should do well. Hear I am not
to be allowed to take my horses for the
7th. This is very bad. Rode round
perfunctorily to the different Battalions 

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