Lieutenant Colonel William McKenzie, MC, OBE - Diary - 1914 - 1917 - Part 5

was being continually increased 

as the Turkish were being constantly

reinforced by new Troops &
the bombing was terrific.
This continued without cessation
until Monday Aftn (4 full days
& nights) & then the Turks were
beaten to a 'frazzle' the 1^st
Brigade went into the charge
3,200 strong & came out 1,200
We had 800 killed at least & others
marked "missing" are uncertain
Some of the wounds were awful
& many must die or be crippled
for life. My experiences of
getting the wounded out of the
Trenches, over the dead & wounded
underneath the dead was sickening
The burials in the Tunnels within
the Trenches too was nerve racking
so also was the recovery of the
dead in the open as the Turkish
Guns were very busy by day &
sometimes by night. When this
work was done, I buried in
all something like 450 men
killed in this charge [[great many just 1st day]] These
burials cover a period of 3 weeks
when the smell of the bodies
after the first 4 days was
overpowering & frequently I had
to leave the graves to retch from
the effects of the smell. The
burials in Brown's Dip by day
was frequently performed under
shell fire, several occasions
men were hit & some killed.
My experiences of the 1^st week are
beyond the telling- the shells, the smells
the sights, the nerve racking intensity
of the whole fight with its
terrible slaughters & orgy of
blood & broken bones was to
terrible to describe. I was worked
out to a frazzle & for days &
nights I was in great pain
from neuritis - All my reserve
strength of all sorts was used
up & I could hardly crawl around
except in pain & with sheer force
of will & the aid of a stout stick
The officers urged me to go away
but I determined to 'stick it' and
see it thro' until the regiment
was relieved. The Bravery of the
dashing Aust'n  boys is beyond

any cavill. They'd tackle anything.

I felt honoured in staying with 

them and I felt I needed them &

they needed me, particularly 

as I was the only Protestant 

Chaplain in the Brigade. The 

Dean leaving on the 12^th of Aug. 

for Mudros to watch the Hospitals

He had been hit with a bullet on 

the 7^th at 4 a.m. a mere graze 

on the stomach, but certainly

a close shave. Father McAuliffe

(R.C.) was doing duty on the beach

and he came up occasionally to 

bury Roman Catholics. I held

3 services each Sunday - one

at 9-30 a.m. or 10AM, which

ever would suit best and others
at 6-30 and 7-30 p.m.

The first Brigade was strengthened
by the 5^th & 8^th Battlns as also a
regiment of 'light horsemen" the
The 6^th Brigade arrived to take
over the Trenches & our men had
to spend a week with them getting
them into the swing of the fighting
& permit them to gain experience
& give them confidence Our men
Did 48 hours in the Trenches &
48 out, the final bout they did
96 hours without a break &
they were pretty well "blown" by
this - Orders came to proceed to
Mudros West to a Rest Camp.
We (the 4^th) went in with 862 into
the L.P. Charge & had something
like 245 to go away with. This included
the 13 of the 6^th Reinforcements
all that were left of 135.
Half of the Battln left for Mudros
on Monday morning & the other
½ left on Wedy morning Sept 14^th
or so - The Col was wounded & had
a very severe attack of dysentery.
He was carried away on a stretcher
on the morning of Sept 10^th &
Major Scott D.S.O. was left in
charge. He was the only Officer
that went thro' "Lone Pine" & able 
to remain with the Troops - 10 Days
after the charge made by the 4^th 
only 3 came out of the ordeal unwounded.
The other two (besides Scott) having
to leave one with Typhoid & the other
with Dysentery- (Lloyd & Foster).
We travelled to the next Camp on 
the "Osmaniea" a dirty boat of the
Kedivial line - able to travel but
staffed by Greeks & they are dirty
lousy, lazy devils, who are watching
every chance to thieve, rob or make
"Baaksheesh". I lost my Attache Case
for sometime  but kicked up such
a row that it was eventually produced
again & then when they brought
it, they wanted "baaksheesh" but
I gave them a bit of my mind &
black looks to make them bolt.
The poor wretches they didn't thoroughly
understand what I said but well
knew what I meant. The Greeks
are the biggest robbers I've yet met
They are making much money out
of the Austn soldiers. Their prices
are extortionate.
I lost all my "Kit" coming over
it being on a different boat to 
mine. This included all my winter
outfits & War Trophies. More thieves.
We reached our rest Camp at
dusk on Wedy night Sept 14^th
tired & hungry. We had had no meals
on board - next days experience
was trying. A terrific experience 
thunderstorm broke over the
Camp before it was drained
in the lower places got flooded
while the winter ran thro' the
tent spaces in rivulets & we
had to camp in these all night.
The Camp was shifted two days
in succession ultimately we
got a fine spot & there we
remain.
 

I speedily got busy with hunting
up enquiries in the 1^st 2^nd &
4^th Brigades also New Zealanders
The mails too entailed a considerable
amount of work & the censorship
of letters. I was fortunate
in the securing of many helpful
particulars re the missing,
killed & wounded. The Rest
Camp is doing me much good
in every way & am enjoying the
change of food & freedom from
the noise of guns & rifles.
We had some fine Concerts
in Camp - Y.W.C.A. Tent - Also some
helpful services - They insisted
on me conducting the 1^st Friday
night YMCA meeting in Camp . It
was a helpful & refreshing time
concluding with 9 men deciding
for Christ. 
Distributed 1,000 testaments
among the Troops writing paper
etc & many gifts, which the
men greatly appreciate. The Camp
is doing the men much good.
Election of sports Committee, also
Concert Committee etc.
Many letters had to be written each
week replying to enquiring Mothers
Fathers & friends of dead heroes.
Tuesday 19^th October Got word suddenly
from Genl Smythe to proceed
to Egypt for one month for rest
& change, also get teeth attended to
I had a right hustle to get ready.
The waters of the Harbour were rough

on Monday night we held a Great
Concert in the Marquee (Y.M.C.A)
given by the 1^st Brigade to celebrate
the Departure from Sydney a
year ago - It was our 1^st Anniversary.
It was a great success- Col Cass
presided - 3000 present N.Z. Band
supplied music - Band Violin & singer
all tip top Items- as indeed were
all the items - none mediocre.
They voted me the organising secty.
when the thing was mooted, so I
had time to choose the singers and
censor the items submitted.
I boarded the "Aragon' (HQ ship)
saw the Adjt & recvd instructns
re ship etc, had a fine lunch
on board & then passed on to
the tender "Royal Prince" and
settled on the "Simla" (P.&O boat)
& got a rare berth - the ships
Dr's -, a large square roomy
cabin 10 X 10, with lovely fittings
& conveniences, so I was in clover!
She carries an Indian crew, The ship
is clean, the table excellent & all
things pleasing. There are about
600 R.A.M.C. men on board & 70
nurses & 4 Drs. The sea is calm
& so the trip is pleasant, the
weather is mild I sit writing
this in my shirt sleeves. We
spent quite a pleasant evening listening
to an excellent Gramaphone, with
M^cCormicks singing & other stars.
Oh what a change. The bed was
too comfortable for me to sleep soundly.

Wedy - had a quiet pleasant day on
Board, writing all day. By 6 pm
the men sat in a large group on
the well deck forward, looking miserable,
swearing, grumbling &
ill at ease fearful lest the ship
might be torpeoded. I seeing this
sprang down into their midst &
started an impromptu Singsong
Rule Britannia being the 1^st choice.
We had a great night & all retired
Happy. Next day I visited the
patients in Hospital (15 or so)

took them some 'cigs' & cheered
them a trifle - Organised a Great
Concert at night of which we
had a fine display of Welsh talent
It was a real singsong, slap up
affair & gave us all much pleasure
Friday - 6 p.m. Had a very largely
attended religious service - At
which the singing of the old
Hymns was superb. I talked
on "This man receiveth sinners"
The Service last one hour - Sir
Victor Horsley & some 50 nurses
were present in addition to 500
of the men - likewise ship officers
& crew. I look upon  this service
as a very helpful event.
At 8 pm we began a farewell
Concert- The nurses gave three
Items - we concluded at 10-15. pm
with "Auld lang Syne" & "God save the
King". It was a very enthusiastic affair
and helped the time to pass pleasantly.
We arrived at Alexandria on Satdy
morning anchored outside for
sometime & drew into the Pier at
1-20 pm. Got ashore at 2, was met
by Capt Greene taken in his M Car to
the "Windsor" & there met Col Unsworth
We had a happy session there. I
remain 9 days here, & then passed
on to Cairo for 8 days-getting my
teeth fixed up at a cost of £7-7-0
about £2/2/- month of work at Austn rates
I returned to Alex on tuesday Nov 9^th
& remained to the following Sunday
Nov 14th when I boarded the
"Guildford Castle" which left at 2 pm
for Mudros. A fine passage too
on a fine boat. I am more than
glad to be returning to the 'Boys'
in the Trenches as I feel 'very fit',
once more. God Give us victory !
We had an uneventful voyage to
Mudros Bay arriving in Harbour
by 5 pm tuesday evening - Wind blowing
strong - Harbour full of shipping.
8 Hospital ships near us.
Next day - wind blew a gale - some
ships dragged anchor - "Argyllshire"
bumped into us, we broke up two
of her boats & smashed her Companionway
& other small parts & fixtures
she turned our ship's nose a bit.
The Argyllshire was crowded with

Austn Troops they cheered like fun
& though the collision Great sport.
we were anchored 4 days & nights
in the Harbour.

We sailed for Suvla on Satdy
evening reaching the Anchorage 
on Sunday morning Nov 21^st. I
remained on board until Monday
& got ashore at Suvla Bay that
evening It was cold & inhospitable
I camped in a rest house - a poor
affair - "Dugout" No evening meal
& no breakfast. Ultimately I got
some buiscuits & cheese for lunch
I had a good look around the position
on the extreme left etc &
left on a horse punt that night
after dark to board a trawler from
Aberdeen, & was there treated handsomely
by the Captn - who gave me
his bed, a good supper & breakfast &
landed me at William Pier at 9

a.m. on Wedy Nov 24^th when I linked 
up with my Battln on the extreme
right of trenches "Anzac". And got
a fine reception from the boys.
"Beachy Bill" was still at his old tricks
& did considerable damage.
The old war goes on in the same old
way. "Lone Pine" Trenches got a great
doing from 12 inch shells. Breaking
thro' a covered sap & burying a great
many men - There were upwards
of 200 casualties in the 23 & 24^th
(Vic) Battlns- This shook them considerably
Sunday Nov 28^th was bitterly cold
The Hills & valley clad in snow -
It was beautiful but very trying to
the men - we had had a terrific
thunderstorm on friday night &
sleet on Satdy - mud galore -
The uncovered trenches were bad.
The men in firing line suffered severely.
Grave reports re condition of men in
flooded Trenches down Suvla way.
3000 evacuated in Hospital ships, many
perished in trenches & 150 died en route
to Mudros Bay with the cold & effects.
Satdy Dec 11^th  For ten days now there 
has been heavy bombardments by ship
guns in the south. We dont know what
this means.  On Friday 10^th for ¾
of an hour 11 20 am to 12-10 pm 5
ships pounded the Olive Grove & Gaba
Tepe positions It was terrific. The
old "Bachante" with her broadsiders
of 6 guns was a sight to witness -

The bursting was tremendous.

We ought to be glad no such guns are here

against us.

Satdy. Dec 11^th- The 5^th & 6^th (Vic) Battalions

with their Brigade, Staff, left us for

other parts, destination unknown- 4^th Light

Horse also went away - guns, ammunition

A.S.C details & also other units.

The Heavy guns have been firing the

most of the day & night - Sunday.

This is down south.

We had a stiff bombardment for 2

hours this (Sunday Dec 12^th) aftn. I

got nearly hit twice. Got hit on

rightside of head with shell (Bomb) fragment-

7pm while sitting at tea table.

On Monday morning Dec 13^th I first heard

the definate confirmation of the current

rumour that things were shaping for

the evacuation of the Peninsula. Guns

Horses & Troops were being sent off each day.

I got personal orders on Wedy morning

15^th Dec that I had to leave that

evening in charge of the sick from

the regiment & report for embarkation

at 7 p.m. Many stores had been

destroyed meanwhile by deliberate

choice & an accidental fire.

2000 gallons of Rum was smashed &

spilt & much good clothing & rich food

wasted. Thousands of shells dumped

into the sea at the end of piers &

a heap of other wastage, that might

have been averted with better &

more energetic shipping arrangements.

I look upon much of the waste as

criminal & might have been avoided

in greater measure.

With the sick I exported at the Pier

(Williams) several shells burst near me

on the way to the Beach, after much

bustle, we got aboard another punt

with some 600 others & boarded a transport

for 'Sarpi Camp" Mudros West - At which

place we only arrived about 2 p.m.

Got a tent with 3 other Chaplains & C.of E. 

& one R.C. It was a genial Quartette

A further batch came along on Friday

Satdy & Sunday & the final eschelon

got a great reception as they marched

into camp on Monday 20^th (My Birthday)

We got the camp nicely fixed & in 3 more days

got orders to move. We embarked on the

"Simla" on Dec 24^th spent Xmas Day, in the

Mudros Harbour & set out for Alexandria

on Sunday morning 26^th, arriving there

without striking incident on Tuesday

at 11a.m. anchored in the Bay & then

drew up to the Pier at 5 p.m. that evening.
I held a very fine open air Concert at Sarpi

and a couple of splendid concert on the

ship in Mudros Harbour & another

at Alexandria before disembarking on

Thursday  Wednesday morning. I had a fine Church

Parade on board ship - 4 generals present &

Army Corps H'Qtrs besides, 2 Battlns etc

& N.Z. forces. I had liberty in speaking.

We marched out to Mex Camp at Alex &

by evening had got our tents up. I went

into the City for tea & a bit of letter writing.

Greene had gone to Cairo.

We fixed up our Camp thoroughly next day

but suddenly got order to move off at

daylight on Friday morning & proceed

by train to Tel-el-Keber, when we arrived

on New Year's eve, no tents etc, The men

having to camp in the open. It was cold too

as many had but a single blanket & some

none at all. It rained too on several

occasions & this affected the men somewhat.

However, the men settled down extremely well.

A few broke camp with the inevitable results.

Training Operations were soon underway

& new reinforcements linked up with us

the 1^st & 2^nd weeks the 7, 8 & 9^th & then 10^th.

It was fine to have a full Battln again.

The Boys were greatly 'Bucked up' by the weight

of Xmas Billys & other parcels. We also got

a large number of cases containing gifts

for distribution among the men.

We got 7 weeks mail at one delivery. It

was a terrible trial dealing with this

& took 5 days to sort. I got over 200

letters & many papers giving me a

very busy time in making enquiries &

answering results.

The Church Parades were remarkably well

attended. I also had some meetings in

the open & a few in my tent.

I have met a number of Salvationists

from other Units. 3 got converted

in my first tent meeting. One got

saved on Monday 31^st Jany. Vic L.B.Corps

Artilleryman. I had a fine meeting in

the Y.M.C.A. Tent on Sun night. 30/1/16.

when 6 more professed conversionvatn

The Col told me of alteration in His & his fathers

will. He got moved on to Camp Commdt job 

I visited Cairo for a couple of

days, going [[?]] on Thursday morng

& returning to camp on Satdy

morning 5^th Feby - Stayed at RossMore

House - saw quite a few of the

old hags in the streets. They greeted

me with characteristic gusto and

warmth. Had a walk around 

the "Wasah" it is Hell in character

conduct, smell & sensation.

A disgrace to any city!

Spent a night with Greene at his

Camp - messed with N.Z. HQrts

Officers - attended Concert given by

a party of N.Z. Nurses & others. I

contributed 2 items as also did Chaplain

Blamires. Greene presided with his

usual effectiveness. New Piano bought.

Greene wore his ribbon he recvd

many congratulations from all

sorts. His work is highly appreciated

Sent a little cash to Mrs McKenzie

Had a strenuous day on Sunday

A huge Church Parade General and

staff present - Orderly (Lieut French)
sent to bring to have a personal interview

with General Smythe V.C. who

likewise invited me to dine with him

& requested that I give him a Bible.

which I did. I spent a very pleasant

hour with him. He asked me to

address the Brigade re "Honours"

We had a couple of fine open airs

at 5-30 pm to 6-30 pm, likewise

a fine meeting at 7-30 pm in the

Y.M.C.A. Hut. when eight souls stepped

into the light. My throat was sore

& I felt tired on reaching my tent

at 10 p.m. I distributed some

750 BIBLES (New Testament)

In the 2^nd & 4^th Battlns

on Monday as also 50 in the

1^st Field Ambulance. The men 

rushed these Testaments like

"Wolves" & many were eager to

get my autograph in their copy.

I distributed another 500 copies

of these Testaments on Tuesday

in the 3^rd & 4^th Battlns.

These were supplied by Mrs McVean 

& a few friends in N.S.W.

for the N.S.W. Troops. They are

very well bound & nicely got up.

Had a fine meeting in my tent on

Tuesday night, as also conducted the

Family Prayers at the Y.M.C.A.

A great meeting in the Y.M.C.A.

at night 24 signed decision cards

McNicol preached. 9-2-16.

I wrote a six page letter to Genl

Bramwell Booth in answer to one,

I got from him 2 days ago.

Held a 1^st Brigade Concert on Satdy
evening in the Y.M.C.A. Hut, with
great success. The crowd was immense
1,500 out & a 1000 inside. Genl Smythe
with his staff were present & enjoyed the
proceedings immensely.
Sunday _∧ Feby 13 held communion Service at
7 a.m. in Officers Mess
9-30 a.m. the Church Parade
3 pm shifted Camp
5-30 Held open air Service
6-30 Another open air Service
7-30 Salv Meeting in Y.M.C.A. Tent
Got 460 men & 2 officers Reinforcement
on Monday night 14^th Feby.
Regiment divided this morning
amid much heart burning & regret.
Tuesday Feby 15^th Genl Birdwood
officially opened Y.M.C.A. Tel-el-Keba
immense crowd present. The Genl
made a very fine 10 minutes speech
giving reasons for division of old

& trained forces, as also the need
for discipline & the likelihood
of going to France later in the Spring
The 32^nd Battery gave a concert in the
evening with chaplain M^cNichol in the Chair
Busy with letters, Officers Mess
private, interviews & other duties
Immense Salv meetings held
frequently with many conversions
Men eager to hear the truth of God
Souls saved in every meeting &
2^'s & 3^'s coming to my tent and
getting saved with ready submission
This is a heartening & helping experience.

Had a visit from Lord Radstock
Sunday Feby 20^th. He spent 3 hours
in my tent & we had a most helpful
& blessed time of communion and
prayer. He is a fine looking man,
a true nobleman & a very devout
Christian. I took him to lunch at
the Officers Mess, they were pleased.
A stirring Open air held at night &
a mighty meeting indoors, 3^rd
Battln band playing out of Red
(6.A) Band Books Lord Radstock gave
an address on the Crucifixion
A. C.aptn chaplain read the Scripture
We had a fine singing Service &
prayer meeting 41 came forward.
Lord Radstock was beside himself
with holy joy. He addressed the
converts later & shook hands with
each one. Y.M.C.A asked me to
do a week's evangalistic services
in March at their big centres.
Had 4000 at C Parade in the morning
Col Elliott (new Brigdr) & staff present
also Lord Radstock . Gave a
very straight address to the new men.
Shifted & driven to Serapeum on Wedy

morning March 1^st travelled in
open trucks. Got to terminus at
1 p.m. detrained, & then had a very
heavy march thro loose sand from
train to Ferry Post where we
crossed the Canal to by a

pontoon Bridge - I marched at
the head of the Pipe band into
Camp about 12 miles out
into the Desert - Asiatic side of
the canal.

Tents were speedily erected and
by 6 pm. all were safely housed
A concert was held on the 1^st night
We had requent sand storms here
& the dust was very trying at
such times.
Battln sports were held on Satdy
March 11^th amid trying weather
but we had a successful time.
with a ding-dong Concert at
night. Genl Smyth, Staff & all 1^st
Brigade Battlns Commanders
present. It was a ripping 'go'
Went to cairo on tuesday stayed
at Rossmore House Slept in
Greene's tent at night (1^st night)
met Garner. held meeting in
French Church at night (Wedy)
met 28 Salvos, had photo taken
of building etc. Glad to meet
them all, including Captn Walls.
returned by thursday 11-15 train
stayed at Tel-el-Kebar for a
few hours, fixed up some inquiring Cases
met Genl Irving & staff at mess
of 55^th Battln. Got to my tent
at 1 am friday morning.
had a very fine parade Friday
morning, immense crowd present
talked on 'Daniel's' & conduct in
a strange land. Had a good time.
A fine open air at night, 3^rd Battln
Band playing for me Coughlan
read for me & sang a solo.
A great crowd present. Three came
to my tent to get saved after &
one on monday night.
Held a concert on Monday night
to distribute sports prizes. Captn
Stacey gave prizes. Col. Macnaghten
left us today for Hospital &
Major Mackay for France.
Mdy Tuesday March 21^st 1^st 2^nd & 3^rd Battlns
marched out of Camp to entrain
for France. We did likewise
on Wedy aftn 4 p.m. entrained
at 3 am. March 23^rd & boarded
the "Simla" in the aftn we set
sail about 9 p.m. I had quite
an experience en route on
the Rly Train-
We passed along pleasantly on our sea journey
weather delightful had concert first
aftn 5 pm to 6-30 a good time.
The "Minneapolis" passed us on Friday
morning on her way to Alex. she was

torpeoded same day, we thus had
a narrow escape from a submarine.
We saw one when nearing "Malta".
I held a concert each aftn from
5 to 6-30pm & these were good, pleasing
affairs & helped to pass the time
pleasantly. We held communion 8 A.M.
church Service 10-45 A.M. when a very 
heavy shower fell, still we crowded
up under the Promenade Deck. Walls
gave address I conducted all other
parts. Also hall services from 4-45 to
5-30p.m. A Great crowd present.
Likewise a fine service on Wedy evening
final night on boat followed by a 
concert. We reached Marsalo by 10
and  anchored outside & entered harbour
at daylight going alongside jetty by 7a.m.
 

We marched from the boat to train at
1-50p.m. rousing great interest among
the populace who thronged the streets.
We saw some gangs of German prisoners
going to work, as also at work
in various centres we passed thro'.
The train journey of 6½ hours was
full of interest to us all. The Country
looked so fresh & pleasing to the eye
in the early spring mantle of 
green. The fruit trees out in bloom
& on the whole everything seemed to
be well cared for & beautifully kept.
The people impressed us by their
friendliness, cleanliness and 
cheerfulness. The Country seemed
fertile & fruitful - calling for
the remark - It is a country
well worth fighting for & a people
worthy of such sacrifice to
help & succour. We were charmed
by the picturesque beauty of much
of the journey - the people met the
train  in crowds calling for
"Souveniers" they got many badges
& many coins from the Austns.
The girls looked winsome & very chic.
Most of the people were dressed in
mourning, the result of the war.
We only arrived at our detraining
siding at 4 a.m. formed up and
set out to "Staple" thro' "Hazebrouck"
on a 9 mile march. It was
Sunday morning, we were pleased
to see so many going to the 6a.m.
church service at 'Hazebrouck' & also
at Staple at 10am where the 4^th
was billeted very comfortably. It is
a quiet clean village with a nice
people - more Flemish than French
reminding one forcibly of the Dutch.
They were very kind & were pleased
with the Austn's. We were 8 days
at this village & then set out on
Monday 10^th April at 5am for a 
new billet 17 miles distant. we were
quartered at a farm not too clean
nor comfortable. All the farms
here have a cesspit & Dung dump
right in the centre of their farm
buildings & pigs wallowing in it.
The smell is fearsome at times.
Many of the men felt the strain of
marching over the rough cobblestones
feet blistered & quite a few
had to fall out. We hear the noise
of the big guns firing incessantly &
can see the shrapnel bursting in
the air at hostile aircraft. Many
of which are to be seen & heard.
We billeted at Ootterstein here for
days - undergoing useful training etc.
held a bunch of parades on Sunday &
a couple of concerts in the Y.M.C.A.
Blgs. red hot affairs - Also a meeting
Sunday night when 6 souls surrendered.
It was a fine useful crowded meeting.
There was  a fall of snow on one
of the aftns.
We set out from Ooterstein & marched
7 miles to Sailly township which had
been in German hands for 7 days.