Major Henry Charles David Marshall - Wallet 2 - Booklet 9 - Part 1
VX 34 MAJOR H.C.D. MARSHALL
A.I.F.
3317
A git from
EUROPEAN STUDENT RELIEF FUND
13, Rue Calvin, Geneva, Switzerland
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convoy past and explained to the driver that he had better
destroy the truck and why. This we did by starting the engine
and then smashing the radiator with a pick. The engine
would soon seize up. I was a bit disgusted when a mile
further on the Arty turned off for dispersal and to wait
for night before going on. We were then able to hare along
in daylight, and a good speed and a few hours later
caught up with Theo who had had the same checks and
trouble and had not made very much progress towards
the front of the Bn. About this time we passed through a
fairly thick ground mist and as well as a recce plane could
be heard some distance to the left and only occasionally
seen. The last remnants of mass hysteria over places
was evident here as the convoy ahead stopped because of
it. I spent the rest of the time racing my truck forward
at each halt to find who was responsible and making
them go on irrespective of planes or not. In any case as I
forcibly pointed out because of mist the plane could not
see them and further even if it did it did not have the
means to attack us and the best thing to do was to get on
to our destination. This course had the necessary effect
and we finally arrived about 10 am at {Alimos Cufors} some miles
out of Athens. There we dispersed amongst the olive groves and
the Bn rested without interference. We sent into Athens to pick
up Walker and the others and succeeded in locating them at
Daphne Camp but without the carriers which had been taken
with drivers for another job. Another job was to send Young into
Athens with some trucks to obtain petrol. We needed a reserve
for the rest of our trip wherever that was to be. We had filled
all tanks from our store immediately on arriving. The only
food we were able to obtain here was some fresh bread which
O'Reilly succeeded in buying at a cafe not far away. We had no
doubts now of the seriousness of the position for at Brailos we
had received a circular giving instructions as to conduct
if captured - advice on taking to the hills and also to make
for the sea and that anyone delivered by Greek Cargo Captains
in Alexandria was worth £5 sterling per head to him. During
the day we received orders to move to Argos that night and also
to send one officer in a party going off to reconnoitre
embarkation beaches. Bernard was selected and left
us. We now have arrived at the end of the afternoon of 24
April. The petrol trucks had not yet returned from Athens
and darkness rapidly drawing on. We struck trouble at
the start and it was fit induction of the troubles in
store for us during the night of 24/25 April. We had our place
to go in the large convoy of all units an were ready to start
but we could not get onto the road as British units dashed
in and made two lines of traffic. Brock came down and
blamed us. We had just got the Bn onto the road and
moving very slowly when there was a halt. I immediately
walked forward and into our indescribable conglomeration
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of trucks in lines two and three deep and 6 Div column
moving in from the side to add to it. I helped straighten
things out and was dog-tired before my own truck with O'Reilly
standing on the side looking for me. It was a standing drill
that if I went forward at any check that he do this so that
I could know them as they come abreast. The driver also leaned
out his side looking for me if I was standing on that side. we
had not proceeded far when we were held up by railway gates
closing the road whilst a train went past. It was rather
lucky as the missing petrol trucks turned up and were
able to join in the column with us. We then drove on as
soon as the gates opened but did not go right into Athens but
turned right past an MP directing traffic and left Athens
behind. We had numerous checks each one causing me
a walk sometimes of miles and often enough the column
would start of its own accord before I reached the block. We
were all driving without lights under orders and had considerable
trouble with both Greek Army and civilian cars which would
try and catch up and pass us - sometimes with lights and
sometimes not. This was in the car behind me and I know he
threatened to shoot the lights out of one car if they were not
put out. Later on we passed through a checking point near where
the road was lined with pine trees for about 500 yards and
near Megara. Amongst the pines a hospital had been set up and
a lot of wounded were there. We were asked to make as little
noise as possible. About two hundred yards past the pine trees
there was a crash, a burst of flame and then a steady
burning. Word was soon passed back that a truck had
missed the slight turn in the road and instead of going
over a bridge had crashed. Theo and I were terribly concerned
as to whether it was a wooden bridge for by now the flames were
fierce. To our relief it was a stone one and the column was
therefore not endangered. The actual trouble was that a truck
of Palestinians had gone off the road into the creek or whatever
it was and overturned. There were a number of injured and was
searching in the truck one of them lit a match - a suicidal
thing to do and up she went. They got some of them out who
were attended by the doctors from the hospital but some were
burnt to death. How many I do not know. The petrol trucks
were just behind us and the heat from the burning truck was
so intense and so near the bridge that Theo had to order them
from the column to follow us later. Some ammunition truck
were also halted and moved off the road for the same reason.
We then moved on and moved smartly past the burning
truck. I did not appreciate my sense of smell then as of all
the most nauseating things I have ever smelt burning human
flesh is the worst and it lingered in my nostrils for days.
The tragedy was bad but this after effect was appalling.
Ordinary, xxxxxxx xxxx sunburned men smell high enough
but we had become accustomed to this but not the other.
Shortly after this the road ascended a hill or escarpment
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near the sea. At the side of the road were the carcases of a
large number of British Army mules who had been caught
by planes. The carcases were either pulled to one side or
thrown over the edge by those we saw looked hideous
in the moonlight legs sticking stiffly up and the bodies
swollen almost to bursting point and the air was polluted
with the smell from the. We were soon through this but
the convoy was very bad. Halts were frequent and of long
duration and caused by drivers at a temporary check falling
asleep and not noticing that they could go on. I walked miles
alongside the trucks stopped nose to tail until I found the
cause then after waking the occupants and setting them off
I had to commence walking back to wake any drivers who
had dropped off again since I passed them first. I soon
found it necessary to have nay single driver accompanied
and even this did not fully prevent it. The column was
by now a perfect hitch patch of all units mixed in with out
own drivers, who were really the best and had also had no
sleep. In this way we continued all night and passed over
the Corinth Canal and then on to Argos. Shortly before we
reached Argos there was a lot of trouble on a bridge which
Theo and I straightened out and we felt fairly satisfied
that things were going along nicely. It was very close to
dawn and we had not passed Argos with our destination
Meloi about 5 miles further on. Suddenly to our horror
another halt and I started on the tramp forward once
again. I walked on and on past truck after truck with
dawn rapidly breaking. When I say walk I mean a
half run half stumble. Into Argo and down the street
and finally I come onto the cause. A sedan car with two
drivers in the front and two officers in the rear seat all
asleep and with the windows closed and the road in
front clear for 15 miles. I wrenched the door open in a
complete rage and asked ------ what they meant by sleeping
and holding up the column for so long. They did not seem
very impressed and one said that they had no sleep the
night before. Then I let go and told them off and they left so
suddenly that I was nearly knocked into the gutter because
I was resting one foot on the running board. We made
better time as it was now daylight and reached our
days halt just outside Meloi where we turned off the
road among the olive groves to hide for the day. In fact
we had hardly got the last truck into position when
two large German planes flew down the railway line
which ran through our area obviously looking for
targets. They fortunately did not see us. The whole
column rested throughout the day but as the convoy
had been so bad during the night special organisation
was made to improve it for the last leg of the journey.
Many orders wee issued from Div. but most did not
concern us much as we did them from habit. One good
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thing was that after a certain point this next night we were to
travel with sidelights and with the wind screens removed.
The only other thing was that we had a view of Argos harbour
with two ships burning and occasionally exploding.
April 25 Anzac Day. A fine way of spending it. During the
day various units of the column were detached for duty in all
directions. Two companies of the 6th went back to Corinth with
anti parachutists work in the defence of Corinth and the Canal. We
were warned that we were the next Bn for defensive purposes.
Amongst other orders issued obtaining to the move the Brig. put a
guard on the road under Lt Col. King of the 5th to prevent a
recurrence of the happenings of the night before. Most people would
have thought twice about breaking a colonels guard. Nevertheless
after the column had started off at dusk and was moving very
nicely and according to schedule a convoy from Athens of
the last elements of 81 BaseSub area under a Brigadier broke
though and started to smash into our column. They
proceeded a short way but were stopped by our own Brig
in what must have been a battle royal. Our turn came and
we moved off everything going like clockwork. We passed
the vehicles of 81 Base Sub area parked along the side of the
road. There was only the 8th between us and them so they
did not have long to wait. Our route for the night lay over
the Peloponese Hills and very soon, we began the ascent. It
was a remarkable steep long climb and now true dark
had set in and the hill from anywhere looked liked
fairyland. Lights crawling like fireflies at regular intervals
covered every stretch of the road and the hill looked
festooned from top to bottom. The convoy discipline was
everything that could be desired and neither Theo or I can
remember any check of longer than half a minute. I am
not counting as checks those parts of the road which was
extremely narrow and in consequence at some of the
bends the larger trucks had to take two or three bites at
the task of negotiating them. All in all a hazardous piece
of wild country and dangerous driving. The Padre as usual
did the wrong thing and caused me about an hour of quite
unnecessary worry. Always in convoy he was unpredictable
and this night was about tenth last car in our column.
At a Y bend in the road his car did not follow the one in
front but swung instead into the right leg of the Y and of
course the ones behind followed. I was last and caught
sight in the moonlight of a couple of excited Greeks pointing
down the other road. With a mixture of French we finally
got down to tin tacks so I sent my trucks hurrying down
the side road after them. I waited at the junction to see
that no-one else did the same thing and banked up
a line of vehicles which would take hours to untangle
as the road was wide enough only for a truck to go along
with no turntable for 5 miles. I stood on the corner for
an hour during which time 8 Base Sub area passed me.
305.
I stopped them and sent a message to Theo which I am sure he
never received. I dont think I enquired next day. Our missing
trucks arrived the Padre full of excuses and we set off on the
right road. We passed through the town of Tripolis just
before dawn and as soon as dawn broke cracked on the
pace and went for our lives for two reasons - one to find the
rest of the Bn as amongst the trucks now with me were two
chock a block with rations and the second was that it was
now a little too much to hope that the German Air Force
would give us another free day. It was now well into the 25th
The Bn arrived at the outskirts of Kalamata an hour after
dawn and dispersed. I arrived about 10 am and was
unable to drive up to their positions as the Town Mayor stopped
me. There was no room for any more vehicles. So we turned
off the road into a little lane and I finished the rest of the
journey on foot. I located BHQ and then had two hours
very much needed sleep as it was the first since the night of 22nd
Theo went off to Brigade who were located the other side of the
town and came back with orders. I was to march the Bn
through the town to the beach following the 5th Bn and was
to meet he and Goodwin and be led to our area. We marched
at the appointed time which I forget but in daylight and
well dispersed with intervals between companies, platoons
and sections - all in turn staggered on each side of the
road. Some planes had been over but had not concerned
themselves with our area. During our march through the
town of Kalamata itself there was an airraid - not very near
us. I wanted to continue the march but was prevented by
Provost people. so we stopped for half an hour. We started
again and had no more interference on the march. During
the march the tail of the 5th was very ragged and there was some
trouble with men going into wine shops on the way. As far as I
know we XXXX nipped any attempts of our men to do the same
and had no trouble with men drunk with wine. The
worst were some ASC and Arty. The 5th Bn turned off the
r0oad and we continued on and arrived at a road
junction. I had not seen any signs of our advance party
in the distance and thought that was the way. I should
have gone on down our original road. We stopped as
we got to their area and just at this moment some planes
came over. We took shelter in a ditch about a foot deep
alongside the road until they had passed. The 6th could
not give me any information as to our area except where
Brigade was. I went back to Brigade but could not find
anyone. Again I did not go far enough in to the olive
trees. In the meantime I sent Lunn in another direction
and when I got back I also went another way but not
very far as I did not dare XXXX leave the Bn too long.
Lunn finally contacted Theo and came back for us.
Instead of entering our area from the side furthest from the
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sea he led us about half a mile down a sunken lane
then through some citrus groves and into our position from
the front or sea side. Theo had been very anxious waiting on
the road but was now relieved. Two things I remember about
this part. The stink and filth in the lane and the citrus groves.
We bought limes and xxxx oranges from some children. The
oranges were bitter and were only for jam making but they tasted
marvellously. I think I had about six. About six ASC
drivers had joined us and I told them to give their blankets
which they were still carrying to the natives. Ours we had
destroyed, before leaving Brailos. One of the Greeks was able
to to speak English having learnt it in America where he
had made money and then retired to Greece to end his days.
He made a heartfelt remark that he wished he had never
left there. The transport had been left behind on the other
side of side of Kalamata under Young and with the drivers. All
units transport then coming under Bde and their job was
to destroy their trucks when Bde ordered the destruction but
on no account was fire to be used. The whole district was
absolutely covered with vehicles all waiting for the same
fate - every available piece of cover was sheltering a vehicle
of some sort. It was now dark and we received orders to
tell off the Bn in parties of 50 under an officer and including
him in the 50. Then after assembling the Bn and doing this we
received a further order excluding officer and we had to do
it all over again and were warned also that it was not known
whether we would be taken off the beach in landing boats or
straight onto destroyers. In the darkness we saw the shadowy
shapes of the navy moving up the bay. Then we received a
very cryptic order from Brock which left us more puzzled
than ever. Fortunately we ran into Brigadier Parrington
and Lt Col. Goodwin in a car on the beach road and they
were able to say that destroyers were in waiting for us and
no troops had arrived and told us to get there as quickly
as possible. We marched straight away and went down the
road hell for leather Theo at the head and I in my usual
position in rear. Coming nearer the quay we were being
pushed on by Movement Control officers who in their haste
to commence embarkation did not realise that our men
were in the last stages of exhaustion due to lack of sleep and
the punishing pace we had set. We marched straight onto
the the quay and commenced embarking onto the waiting
destroyers. There were some parts of the 8th already on board.
The navy functioned beautifully. Whilst the Bn was loading
one of our ration trucks arrived but too late for issue.
The driver Salagari wanted to go back to Young but I
ordered him on board. The "Hereward" took us on board
and when she finished loading had 1200 on board. The
officers were sent down to the wardroom during the wait
and trip out and the steward made some hot tea which
was acceptable. Then I know I was so tired I dozed off and
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knew nothing until we were alongside the "Costa Rica". Theo
had stayed on deck and he told me afterwards that the Hereward
tried first to come alongside on the starboard side but owing
to the wind had to go around to the Port side where we entered
the Costa Rica across improvised gangways through ports in
the side. Inside the saloon officers were assigned cabins and
the men were sent below decks. The Costa Rica was a Dutch ship
fairly old and unfortunately had no stores on board. She
had been whistled up from Suez for this job and had no
time to take food on board for the men. They were however
given a cup of tea a boiled egg and a slice of bread the best
the ship could do for them. After seeing everything was well
under control I went to Theo's cabin which he had arranged
for me to share. In the cabin on the opposite side of the alley
six officers shared the space sleeping on mattresses spread
on the floor. It was now about 2 am and the destroyers had
long since left on their return journey. Our cabin had
only one bed so I had a mattress but it had a bathroom.
We then had the luxury of a shave and a bath and at
3am after sharing a tin of sardines and some biscuits
were asleep. The ship pulled out at 4 am with 2600 aboard
instead of about 4000 which she could carry. Theo as soon
as he had stepped on board offered our Bren Guns for a/a
and 12 were accepted. At 7 am which was dawn I was
awakened by a bomb exploding and went out on deck in
my underclothes. I saw the planes attacking and went back
and reported to Theo who was now awake and had seen the
fountain from a miss falling on the forepart of the ship. I put
my tunic on and my boots and caused a lot of amusement
by suddenly appearing on the men's decks clad like this.
I soon had the balance of our weapons on deck. Strange to say
down below you could not hear very much of the noise
outside. Soon all our weapons opened fire and this attack
was not pressed home. I was then able to put my trousers
on and felt a lot happier as it seemed so foolish to be
running around in u/pants and tunic. We continued on
and were free from attacks until 11 am when another
was made. By this time we had a tremendous number
of Brens and Anti Tank Guns mounted - many tied
with rope onto the stanchions and awning support with
string. No actual attack was made on us as the planes
swung off - owing to our fire or not I do not know. They
attacked the ships ahead and we had a view of the
bombs exploding in the sea and raising huge fountains
of water each side of the ships. Another impressive sight
was the umbrella barrage the navy put up. Whether any
planes were brought down I do not know as we only
had a limited vision in some directions. The Navy told
us later that owing to the rain of falling bullets from
any ship they had to wear tin hats - the first time for
a long time as the spent bullets were falling on the decks
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like hail. After this attack Theo realised that at the rate
we were expending ammunition it would not last more than
one more attack so he coordinated everything and placed
officers in charge of sections of the deck and the guns under
their command were to fire only under orders instead of
blazing away indiscriminately. The next attack and the
last took place at 2.30 at a spot we think must have been
the convoy meeting place as there was a tremendous
number of ships about and the a/a was consequently tremendous
too. There were a large number of misses, spouts of water
in every direction. The planes hauled off and we thought
that the attack was over as there was a long quiet pause
although the "Costa Rica" was still continuing to zig zag
frantically. Then suddenly all our guns opened up on (hit 2.50)
a plane which came out of the sun in prolongation of
the boat. We all saw the bombs coming down and the
ship began to swing. The two bombs just missed but many
were the speculations as we waited. In fact bets were offered
and taken whether one would hit a lifeboat or not. Anyway
it just missed and exploded at about 3 feet from the side
near the engine room and the water spouting up came over the
boat deck. The explosion sprung the plates and also blew
in the ejector valves. Those holes on the side from which
water seems to continually pour out. These are built to stand
the pressure of sea water but not a bomb pressure as well.
The ship stopped and we all wondered. The Chief Engineer
came up an reported to the Captain with whom Theo was
talking. He gave the ominous opinion that he could
not say whether she would last for 5 minutes or an hour.
All troops had by now assembled at boat stations and I
had charge of one side of a deck. The convoy went on and
three destroyers circled the ship standing by. The conduct of the
troops was wonderful and of the highest order. The Costa Rica now
developed a list and the Captain thought she would sink. He
had the port boats lowered and filled and some men of my
deck were able to go down the rope ladders and get away. Just
then a ships officer lost his head and called out "Every man
for himself". This was at the fore end of the ship and rafts there
were thrown overboard. About twenty men stripped and
jumped overboard to the rafts and clambered on them and started
to either swim or paddle towards the Stashi which was nearest.
This brought immediate protests from the destroyers and we
soon stopped the jumping. I will admit that the cry "Every
Man" is an agonising one and made me feel very uncomfortable
myself. The raft over the sides were unfortunate as they
prevented the destroyers from coming along side on
both sides. The conduct of the men was wonderfully
steady even though the Costa Rica was noticeably lower
in the water. The three destroyers then got to work. One
came alongside, one astern and one picked up the
swimmers. The troops then got aboard approximately 1200
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15.10 Orders to abandon ship. 15.55 Completed disembarkation.
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on each with only two casualties. One a broken ankle
sustained in jumping and the other a crushed leg and
stomach between the boats. When my deck was clear I went
below further to see all was clear. It was terribly eerie
and I was frightened. The lights were out, the engines stopped
and the silence hit you and and I all the time was scared she
would go down whilst I was below. I did not mind half as
much on deck where I had a chance to swim. There was
no one there and on deck again I went to our cabin and
collected some of our kit. Our greatcoats and boots for all the
time we were in stockinged feet. I missed my travelling
case for which I whipped the cut ever afterwards. I then
went on deck and stepped - stepped across on to the deck of
the Hereward. I placed Theo's boots and our gear in a niche
and looked back to see Theo throwing Brens and automatic
and ammunition of the top deck down to the destroyer. I
wanted him to come aboard then but he would not whilst
a/a crews were still on his deck. Keith Walker was also taking
photos from all angles and finally he took some from our
destroyer the Hereward. We pulled away and I was worried
about Theo but was relieved when everyone including
himself stepped aboard the last destroyer - whether the Hastie
Defender I do not know. Almost immediately after the we
started full speed for somewhere. To give you some indication
of how low in the water the Costa Rica was Theo stepped from
the Bridge of the Costa Rica onto the deck of a small destroyer
and the Costa Rica was a 15000 tonner although old. She
sank about 10 minutes after Theo had left but whether (16.10)
the Navy helped her on or not I do not know. I went
to the wardroom of the Hereward and after awhile I
thought I should like to see the bow wave of a destroyer
going at full speed. I went up through the crowded deck
and watched it seemingly only three feet below me
spread out like a fan each side and then back to
the wardroom, someone had taken Theo's boots - a
midshipman who said he would get them for me, but could
not find them when I came to disembark. Someone
else had pinched them. The navy had received orders to
land us at the nearest port which was Suda Bay Crete
and that is how the chain of events landed us there and
not at Alexandria for where we were bound on the Costa
Rica. I saw little of Suda Bay as we went up in harbor
and looked only at the hills and cliff and the shipping.
One cruiser the York, had been sunk by Italian
one man torpedoes and she was lying close to us in the
harbor. These one man affairs are a torpedo attached to
a motor which propels them. They creep into the harbor and
when the torpedo is armed the motor drops off and the
man swims ashore. It worked alright this time in
getting the York in harbor. When our turn came there
was no room at the wharf so our destroyer tied up
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alongside a tanker and moved across this onto the wharf.
Some of us as I was one who did not know it was a tanker
were smoking and caused consternation to the tanker crew.
I stepped on the side of our boat until all were off stopping the smoking.
During our disembarkation there was a scare of an arrival
and the navy opened up. Some reports say it was one of our
own and others not but the navy have always adopted the
adage that it is an enemy. They never want to make sure.
Just off the wharf I met Graham Keogh who was directing
troops. I have been comparing notes with Theo and we have
now arrived at some consecutive order in Crete. There was
no doubt of the air raid as the destroyer carrying Theo had
to put out to sea twice owing to the attack on the harbor.
I saw very little of the harbour as we proceeded into it but it is
about three miles long from the outer boom to the shore and
about a mile wide - each shore very high cliffs and on the north
side a big hill behind which lay Canen. It was a brilliant
sunny day and the water sparkled and everything looked
clean. Besides the "York" which was what I call half in and
out of the water there was also a Greek destroyer beached
with only the top hamper (I think the right technical term)
showing. There were quite a few other ships in the harbor
dispersed in various parts but I cannot remember how
many more were sunk or damaged in anyway. The jetty
was very small and it took no time to clear it. The airraid
had rather suspended work and we saw a Gladiator
doing its best to catch the enemy planes but it was
mostly slower and had an impossible task. There
were I think about six Gladiators on the island
and from now on they were termed the "suicide squad"
for each day their number lessened for they were no
match for the enemy in speed and gallantly put up their
show until one by one they were topped off. As I told you
I met Graham Keogh just off the jetty directing the disembarking
troops where to go. I had a few words with him and gave
him the gist of our experiences of the day before and found
the road we were to go. As I was last off and there was
no sign of Theo I was anxious to get on and find out
what the Bn was doing so I left him and went off.
I turned left from the road up the cliff and walked
along the road along the coast past the high clay
walls of the old naval barracks. Keogh had told me
that the collecting point was about a mile and a half
along the road. I caught up with some of the doctors
of the 2/2 Fd. Ambulance and finished the march
with them. I think there were three of them, Hugh Johnson
Dicky Ambert and Skipper Dormey. They told me of Stuart
Werns death in Greece. He had both legs blown off by
a bomb but was cheerful and calm and directed
the attention he needed. I liked him tremendously
and felt very sad and sorry for his wife and daughter.
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I expect she has gone back to Scotland to her parents by now.
I know she wanted too while he was away. I was still
carrying Theo's gear - greatcoat sweater etc. without any
idea where he was and as Hugh Johnson was shivering in
shirts and shorts I lent him the sweater - to his comfort. We
finally arrived at the collecting point and found the Bn. on
the left of the road in a rather small area at the end of
which was a small point on which a Bofas had been dug
in. On the other side of the road near a stone hut was a
spring and that removed the water problem. I set to work
and allotted Company areas and started what little work
of reorganisation it was possible to do. We were all suffering
the after effects - many half clad - half to no arms and
no food and no means of cooking it if we had - so one and
all were cold and hungry. There was little information to be
had about anything due to the disorganisation caused by
the sudden influx of all kinds of units from Greece. It was
now well on to evening and we had to make the best of a
bad job and settle down for the night which was giving every
indication of being very cold. Winter was still gripping the
land although the days were brilliantly sunny. I know
that some of the troops after darkness set off on a fossicking
expedition and whilst I could not prevent it I saw the not
too many got away. Without my knowledge Keith Walker
and Johnstone went off. Walker was worried about young
Ian who had not turned up and about whom there was
no news. He was one of those who had stripped and swam to a
raft. Johnstone has just old me that when they arrived in
Dida village they prospected and met an Air Force man. From
there he cannot recall how he got into a movement control
office where they told the Colonel in charge they were looking
for blankets for the Bn. He was kindness itself to them, gave
them some biscuits, bully and a hot drink and rang up
two or three places and created a stir that we had not been
looked after. After all this a truck was finally produced and
went somewhere and got some blankets and then picked up
Walker and Johnstone who arrived back in our area just
on midnight with four bales each containing 50 blankets.
It was so cold that they were hailed with delight and I
expect and know now they escaped any ticking off they
wanted for being away AWL. The blankets were distributed
in the darkness pro rata to the companies and we were at
least warmer with one blanket between two approximately.
I know Goodwin and I slept together under one in the lee of
a bush against the road and although warmer it was still
very cold and everyone was up long before dawn trying to
get warm. I had unfortunately to stop fires being lit to
soon. All the morning I waited there wondering what had
happened to Theo and expecting some information or orders to come
but nothing happened. About midday Theo arrived, wearing
a pair of Greek leather shoes he had bought made of pale
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green leather with very square toes and one or two sizes too
large for him. They looked like suede at first glance. He was
unshaven like the rest of us and had slung over his back a
very fine camelhair blanket with some rations tied up in
it. I remember a very large tin of bully beef was hailed with
great delight. The blanket he had obtained from the destroyer
it having been left behind by someone and the Commander
suggested he take it. The rations he obtained from a
naval bulk store near the wharf. I think he spent the night
in someone's office and had also met Keogh for a few moments
and had a whisky. Neither of us can remember when rations
were first delivered to us but it was sometime in the morning
I expect I sent Fletcher for them but frankly on this subject
my mind is a complete blank. Later we were on half rations
and I don't think we got any too much this time either. About
two or thereabout in Sir Ivan Mackay arrived and it was
a rather amusing spectacle to see he and Theo sitting on
the edge of the road. One spruce and shaved and the
other looking like a tramp and wearing these horrible
glaring new green Greek shoes. The upshot of this contradiction
was that we were to be taken off next day or the next or maybe
a month. Full of cheer and left on a pep talk note. With
him came orders for us to move from this position. Those of
the Bn who had stripped and swam naked away from the
Costa Rica had trickled in during the morning. They had
been outfitted by the navy in a queer rig but at least
were clothed and warm. Ian Walker was among them. So
at 3 pm on April 28 we marched dispersed along the coast
road further away from Suda Bay with our destination
Kalibes about seven miles out. It is difficult to describe the
march. The road closely followed the cliff and we had
many grand views of the harbor particularly as the road
was rising quite a lot. I remember quite clearly two or three
ships we passed. One was a little naval vessel which was
moored almost touching the coast. The harbor is very deep
and you could almost step on board. There was nothing
wrong with this craft - everything spick and span and
what her purpose was I do not know. She might have been
a mine sweeper or anything. I got the information from some
where - correct or not I do not know - that she was an old coal
burner and there was no fuel on Crete for her - only ore so she
became idle. A little further along were two other ships
at anchor with queerly shaped bows with what looked
like a crane extending forward of these. We thought they
might have been special landing craft for tanks but
they remained here all the time swinging with the tide.
As we approached the mouth of the harbor a destroyer
coming in passed through the boom at the entrance.
Actually there were three booms across the harbor all
together - two more further in. Every one took a very
affectionate interest in her as Naval stocks were very
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high with all of us. Had we not been saved by them the day
before. It might have been one of our own - that is one of the
three which took us off the Costa Rica. I was as usual marching
at the rear and keeping stragglers up when I came across
Leslie - one of the deserters at Daphne in Greece. What his
adventures and movements had been during his absence
I do not to this day know but it was strange his turning up
here. I immediately put him under arrest of two lame
men and he arrived this way at Kalibes where we
dispersed in Company areas along the bank of a creek
among the olive groves. I call it a creek but it was one
of the few rivers in Crete. All unarmed personnel were
concentrated in this area. Amongst them were the 2/2 Fd
Regt and parties of the 5 and 6 Bns and of the 16th Bde.
One of the first I saw was Lyall Barnden with both arms
in slings. I thought at first he had been wounded but it
turned out that both arms were poisoned. We now had
a view of the mountains on which snow was still visible and
melting and believe me the water of the creek was cold. The
olive groves were thick and were ideal cover and we settled
down here to make the best of it. We were here from April 28
to May 4 and rations were now delivered regularly. The only
snags were that due to the sudden increase in numbers on
Crete we were put on half rations and secondly we had no
cooking utensils. Every biscuit tin and jam tin was
carefully kept for either cooking or drinking. Razors were at
a premium and so were mirrors and from the moment we
arrived we insisted on everyone shaving daily. It meant a
lot of trouble and we finally got it down to one razor
per platoon or section if lucky and each took turns. It was
very rough on both the face and the razor. Along the banks
of the creek at intervals of about two hundred yards were wells
which we used. It was unsafe to drink the water of the creek
unless boiled and besides when the snow melted and was
finished the creek obviously dried up so the wells were
necessary for watering the groves. Across the creek the ground
rose very steeply into a precipitous hill and it was not
long before we discovered habitation about three quarters of
the way up. With our glasses which I had saved we could
see the small hole in the face of the hill and from it every now
and then a woman or child popped out. We reckoned there
must have been three or four families living in a big cave
behind this small hole. I think I can best cover the
next few days by a day to day detail. May 29 is blank.
May 30 brought talk of an attack on Crete by airborne troops.
As we had no arms this did not in any way increase
our sense of comfort. The best way I have is to say that
without arms we felt naked. On May 1 some rifles
arrived which had been withdrawn from Engineers
Div ASC. Div troops and all sorts of odds and ends.
But little ammunition and hardly any bayonets and
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little equipment. It was astonishing the difference in the
spirits of the men when armed as against unarmed and
the competition for a bayonet was keen. During this day
we issued these arms and organised the Bn into five
Rifle Coys as HQ oy had lost its identity and use without
its characteristic support weapons. So we now had A.B.C.
D and E Coys. May 2 issued in the start of training once again
and this was carried out under cover of the olive trees. It had
two very good reasons. Just bringing the troops up to
fighting pitch and second and a very big one to occupy
their minds and time. During the afternoon General
Freyburg who was Commanding the Island came down
and addressed all the officers and NCO's in a small
clearing. He is an impressive figure with the V.C. D.S.O. and
2 bars and others and spoke extremely well. His subject was
morale and our task on Crete. I have no recollection of his
exact words but they did some good and generally
removed many false ideas. Neither Theo or I had any
false notions left when he had finished and our great
concern was to get equipped so that we at least would
have a chance. May 2 was a very full day. We continued
general training but found it very difficult without equipment
and gear. Word came through that the 7 Bn was to form 9
Bde under Brig. Yasly and Theo left to join him at a conference
How we knew I do not know but one of the subjects at this
conference was the selection of two or three officers to be
seconded to serve with and train Cretan Battalions.
They were to be generally second in Command but actually
to command. I spent some uneasy hours whilst Theo
was away as I did not in the least relish leaving the Bn
although I was ready to go. Theo came back in a towering
rage over the attitude taken up by the 2 i/c of the 6 Bn who may
had 60 men and refused the appointment. He actually
offered to go himself and leave me in command but the
offer was not accepted and neither of us were required.
I think finally some N. Zealanders one of whom is here
got the job. This relieved me considerably. This was our
last day here but there are a number of things which
occurred and need inclusion but I cannot remember
their order. During our stay here we had our blankets brought
up to our issue of one per man each - not all at once but as
night sleeping in your clothes with only a blanket around
you and a tin hat for a pillow. Together with the blankets
a few tent flies were delivered and these helped around the
companies particularly those who did not have greatcoats
and there were a great number. We also received some
Tommy Guns and Brens but without anti aircraft
mountings. Little ammunition for the Brens and none
almost for the Tommy Guns. I should think we only
had enough for one magazine each. Early in the
315
morning of our second day I obtained permission from Theo
to go into Canea and try to buy some necessities for the
troops. I had to walk but I expected to get a lift at Suda
Bay. In fact we (and I took Cpl. Spencer with me) only walked
about half a mile when a truck from one of the heavy a/a
guns on the hill opposite to us overtook us and took us
all the way. My destination or rather enquiries were for
the N.A.A.F.I. but first of all I had to find Australian Hqs
to get some money. This truck dropped us somewhere near
what was Force Headquarters or so they said and I made
enquiries there. I was directed around a few streets to
a big building but no response to my knocking. We went
around the back and up some stairs and woke up
a couple of sleepers and got the information that Div. Hqrs
had been there the night before but they did not know where
they had gone. So back to Force Hqrs where I found someone
better informed who told that Aust. Div. Hqrs had left the
island the night before. He also recommended my applying to
the Field Cashier (British) and gave me directions. So we
walked on and finally located him. He was not able to give
me any money for the unit but allowed me to sign one of his
field cheques for a couple of pounds and then gave me Greek
drachmas for them. It was a concession on his part as he had
no authority to issue money to Australians. It enabled me
to try and buy razors and blades but we had no hope. Either
Cretans did not shave or they had sold out quickly. We tried
a dozen shops of all kinds without success from chemists to
barbers to ironmongers. I tried to buy some eating gear
but the ironmonger had no tin plates or enamel ones and
tried to sell us some bakelite ones about the size of saucers.
The language difficulty was hard too. Then we looked
around for a cafe and with some difficulty found one.
Whether it was right or not we had to eat so we got in and
had omelettes and vegetables and water. It was a meatless
day to our misfortune. The charge was ridiculously
small - the dearest item being two oranges. Out again
and round to the NAAFI where I expended my little money
on cigarettes - a bottle of whisky and some tobacco. there
was a tremendous queue and we had to wait over an
hour. Then outside we were faced with the difficulty of
getting home but after asking some questions we finally
found someone going our way in a truck. He offered
to let us down half a mile from our turn off but in
the end drove us all the way. As soon as I got back and
explained the cash situation to Theo we contacted 19 Bde Hqrs.
about money and they promised to arrange it through
Force Hqrs. next day I sent Chandler in to draw some
money for pay so that we could allow the troops to write
home and cable if they wanted to. As well I drew the
equivalent of £100 sterling from unit funds in all
over 50,000 drachma for comforts etc for the troops. This
316
was in anticipation of a service 19 Bde were setting up. As
we had no transport their Entertainments Officer hired an old
bus with a driver and he went in daily to the NAAFI and
brought out cigs, paper pencils etc. He also seized the opportunity
to get some more whisky. Some new boots arrived and Theo
and I got a pair each. Mine were worn out and he had lost
his through my agency. I had to take 10's as the instep of the
9's was too low for my foot to get in. We all found that the
English last had this fault and that an extra size was
necessary. I know I got mine the day before we left as I
had to march with them and break them in and as well
wear two pairs of socks. Whilst here at Kalibes we saw numerous
attacks on the harbor by German planes. At least we saw
them dive until the hill shut off our view. During one of
the attacks there was a sudden whoosh through the trees
about twenty yards away and a thud about 50 yards to
our left. We waited for the bomb to go off and wondered why
we had not heard it coming. It turned out to be one of
our own a/a shells - 3.7 which in their haste had not
been fused by the gunners and it had arrived as a present.
It burned itself about three feet inside a bank and did
not explode and also fortunately did not hit anyone on
the way through. In another raid we saw one of our
remaining Gladiators make a gallant attempt to catch
an enemy bomber but a small burst of black smoke
and the German just drew away. It must have been
a hundred miles and hour faster. Another day Theo and I
climbed a small hill nearby to have a look at the countryside
on the top was a small stone farmhouse and we went along
to see what we could buy. There was a very pretty little
girl of about twelve, two younger children and a boy about
ten. He got father and we tried to find out what they could
sell us. They had no bread available but we were able
to buy some onions. I had a thought that some honey
would be nice but did not know the name. We made all
sorts of idiotic gestures, hummed like a bee - pointed to
flowers and then they finally got it. Then it took further
time to make us understand that they would buy us some
in Kalibes. By this time they had produced a chair each
and then mother made her appearance. I immediately offered
her my chair but was frowned down by the men folk particularly
the son. A woman on Crete does not sit down with the
men folk but stands behind. The old man then went to
a hole in the ground and pulled up a string to which
was attached a bottle of wine. we all toasted one another
on ice cold wine and felt better as the sun was hot.
We then left with our onions and got the honey next day
Threequarters of a jam tin. I have just remembered the
excitement of the children when I let them look through
my glasses - bringing the country nearer and then
sending it miles away - if you look through the wrong
317
end. The companies were sent out on route marches
towards dusk to harden them but I don't think we had
time to do more than one each. As I told you we used the
well water for drinking and cooking and allowed washing
only in the creek as we feared it was contaminated. Bathing
was not allowed after the first day as other units towards
the mouth were using it for cooking. Washing only was allowed
at certain times so that any polution thereby would have
passed down with the current. To offset this the companies were
sent one at a time to the shore near the mouth of the creek and
had a bathe in the sea. Theo and I did not go but during
one of the washing periods we stripped and had a swim in a
pool. It was damn cold and no towel did not make it
any easier. we only had the one. I think on my first
and only visit to Canea I sent off some cables for Halliday
and the others but do not think sent you one as Theo and
I both decided that until we were off Crete we could not say
we were safe. In Canea I saw Brigadier Lee who commanded
us at Domokos walking across a square. No one believed
me as he was thought to be a prisoner in Greece. As it turned
out I was right for we heard later he did get away. Our only
means of communication with 19 Bde Hqrs we arranged ourselves.
We established a runner post. Men at intervals along the
track and in the absence of telephones or wireless we were
able to get a message through by this system of relays in
about ten minutes. The only other event was a visit we
paid to Bill Cremor, Lyall Barnden's C.O. and had a
couple of whiskies with him. His only thought was to get off
Crete and eventually he succeeded. I suppose that as he
had no guns his artillery Regt was useless but he made
such a song and dance it made us a bit tired. On May 3
we sent Nelson and D Coy less Mitchells platoon to establish
road blocks on the eastern approach to Canea about 15
miles out from Canea. They set off on a nine mile march
whilst Mitchell and his platoon were sent to a special
aircraft warning job on the hills behind us to give
warning should any enemy planes come in from the
rear. May 4 ushered in our move. Theo left very early by truck
with Brig. Yasey for Georgiopolis to reconnoitre a position we
were to take up covering one of the few possible landing beaches
on the island. I was to march the Bn by road via Yamos. I
may add that we did not have any ordnance or military maps
all we had was a stationers copy of a map of Crete printed in 1905
my birth year and believe me that even in Crete changes in
roads etc take place in that time. My memory of the march
is limited to two or three things. First of all it was very hot
and we sweated. Next my new boots were causing trouble. But
not in the feet. The upper was extremely high up my shin and
it cut into my calf. I had thought of cutting them down
but I bowed to everyone's advice and it was not until the
march was finished that I was able to use a razor blade on
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