Diary for William Cameron, 1915 - Part 1

Diary of:
2^nd SGT Lieut WM. CAMERON, 364,
"C" SQUADRON,
9th REGT.,
3rd. Light Horse Brigade.

May. 16th.
Left Heliopolis for Alexandria at 11 o'clock; left Station
at 1 a.m. arrived Alexandria 7 a.m. embarked on "Menomince".
Rotten boat and tucker but had good time on Submarine Guard.
" 17th.
Out in the blue Mediterranean, still on guard; nothing
exciting doing except a little fire alarm drill.
" 18th.
Still on board "Menomince"; passed several islands.
" 19th.
Opposite Cape Helles at anchor; several warships in action
on left; numbers of troops and horses on foreshore;
destroyed fort on right front just at mouth of Dardanelles.
Feel quite calm. 3.30 warships begin to fire, aeroplanes
flying round, considerable shrapnel fire brought to bear on
one that manoeuvred very skilfully, was not hit. 4.30 p.m.
information received and we left there for Lemnos Island.
Just as we moved out, several shells fell in camp on shore
and two dropped within 200 yds. of another troopship.
Submarines reported as being in search of this transport
because she carries so many Officers (97).
" 20th.
Still on board, but have travelled to/Lemnos during night,
splendid harbour and full of shipping of all kinds, warships,
transports, hospital ships, etc. Mouth of harbour very narrow
and well protected by mines. Several small camps on shore
and though very hilly the country is cultivated and some of
the gentle slopes are quite green. The island belonged to
Turks but Britain seized it. First Australians were here
for some time.
" 21st.
9.30 were transferred rrom "Menomince" to Destroyed "Scorpion",
and set out for the scene of action, Kaba Tebe; had a splendid
fast run and the experience of a trip on a fast Torpedo
Destroyer is one to be envied. We left at 11.30 and steamed
for about 2 hours; saw several warboats in action and now at
3 p.m. we are watching our fellows trying to get ashore under 

cover of the above named boats. The Turks are in a fairly
strong position away to our left but within range of naval guns.
We were ourselves then transferred to lighters which rocked &
rocked. Then just as we moved off they seemed to get our
range for two shells just lobbed astern of us but luckily hit
the water before exploding. Got ashore alright and then began
a steep ascent to where we settled down for the night. If you
could see us in our new home which is a hole burrowed in the
ground about 6' x 6' in which reside Sgt. Major Hatton,
Sgt. Maude, and myself; slept very well in clothes not with- 

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standing din, but we were awakened and stood to arms at
3 o'clock a.m. and remained so until 4.30 a.m.. It is at
this hour that rushes are expected.
May 22nd.
Morning finds it raining heavily and we make haste to cover our
"dug-out" with our water proof sheets. Later on when rain
ceased we made our place deeper and more comfortable but just
as we finished we were ordered out to the trenches, and the climb
was indeed difficult as we went up by a circuituous route.
Arrived at the top of the ridge we went into other dugouts which
had been occupied by New Zealanders whom we relieved both here
and in the trenches. Stood to arms from 7 - 8 p.m. and again
3 - 4 a.m., otherwise slept well.
" 23rd
We are still in the rest dug-out and very little is happening.
An occasional shell bursts overhead but no one yet hurt though
two have had their rifles damaged.
" 24th.
8 a.m. 9 hours armistice granted to bury dead. We are warned
to go into fire trenches at midday but cannot move troops or
dig trenches while truce lasts. Will have a look over battle
field while it lasts. Have done so and the sight is gruesome
and peculiar. Its awfulness is appalling. Thousands of bodies
lie rotting in the intervening space between enemy's and our
trenches about 200 yds. and the stench is sickening. The burial
party have indeed a horrible job, yet the whole thing is peculiar
in that Turk, Britain or Australian are intermingled in the
common task of placing out of sight the bodies of dead comrades,
and in a few short hours this will cease and each will be in his
own trench, each doing his best to add to the already large list.
4 p.m. In an hour we will be in the fire trench. Kits are all
packed, rifles clean and ammunition attended to. Hear today
that Roy Hodgson has been killed by shell fire. Fancy today is
Empire Day and we are wondering what is being done in the
little town today. I can imagine Mr. Stewart being a moving
figure in the day's proceeding. Have not had any letters since
we left Heliopolis and very little news except that Italy is
about to declare war, which she has been about to do for some
time.
" 25th.
Have been in trenches all night and have not fired a shot,
although the Turks have poured in an incessant fire which I
believe they add to twice during each night by bursts of rapid

fire. They are very poor shots except their "snipers". None
of our troops were hit. From here we can view the bay and all

the ships; there seems to have developed a bad attack of
"submarinitis" for they are circling and circling round.
A German aeroplane comes into view, sails right across our
positions and drops a bomb or two on our first camp - result
unknown. 

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12 noon an awful sight. above I wrote of the submarinitis.
Now we see one come to the surface only a few chain from the
"Triumph" which has done so much in opening up the Dardanelles.
She discharges two torpedoes and the gallant Triumph si turns
on her side, then right over and in 1 hour is gone. Torpedo
destroyers rush madly through the water range along side the
sinking ship and rescue the greater number of the crew. Others
dash away in the direction that the submarine dives; hope they
get him. This sinking of one of Britains best right under their
eyes will give the Turks a fillip. It was a sight we do not want
to see repeated. Trenches are very quiet, we are digging them
deeper as also are the Turks. We can see their shovels pitching
over thé edge and get an occasional shot. They are driving a sap
towards us and we are also driving a sap to cross theirs. They
are only about 75 yards away now, we will come out for 24 hours
this afternoon and return tomorrow night. Have not had much
sleep, again it is night and we are standing to arms expecting
an attack; have just heard that the Triumph only took down 50
men out of 800. This is a wonderful display of what discipline
will do, for she fired to the last.
May 26th.
Have had a very poor night. Three alarms keeping men "at arms"
till 12 midnight. Enjoyed a very good breakfast of fried
"Bully", carrots, parsnips and onions, with army biscuit & jam;
cocoa to drink. Both artillery positions appear to have been
altered and strengthened, for the Turks are putting in a few,
much better than they have been doing, Our fellows replying well.
Can hear the distant rumble of heavy guns about Helles Point some
12 miles away. Wonder how the Frenchies are getting on there.
Am going to try and get some sleep now, have had a shave and feel
a bit cleaner but would like to be able to remove clothes which
have been on six days now. It rained like fun yesterday after-
noon and the trenches became terribly muddy, likewise men. Our
relief would have a cold shift there.
" 27th.
Went back into fire trenches and whilst we did very little
shooting the Turks posted away to some tune but only two were
wounded in the squadron, these were merely scratches.
" 28th.
We were in the support trenches all night and had a very fair
rest. the routine order of standing to arms for 2 separate
hours nightly appears rather irksome, still its a necessity.
We are resting today and I have removed by boots and socks and
the feeling is pleasing after having them on for so long.
The Trenches are gradually being worked closer and closer unti
now only 20 to 50 yds. separate. Something must eventuate in
the form of a general assault by one side or the other in a day
or so now. The reported tales of cruelty are distinctly un-
founded only 2 cases.
" 29th.
In the rest trenches all night, had a jolly good sleep until 4 a.m. 

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this morning when we were awakened & stood to arms as a great
fusilade had commended. Big guns were taking part also, and
the sight was really magnificent tho' terrible. The Turks
charged right up to our trenches and threw bombs which killed
three and wounded thirteen. Just before breakfast their
whistling Rufus found the range to our Rest trenches and
gave us quite a large dose of pills. The men were busily
engaged getting their breakfast ready and as each shell
whistled up they would leave the fire and duck for cover.
It was in a way humourous to note the attitude assumed to
escape shrapnel. Two were killed and seven wounded.
May 30th.
Last night's projected bayonet charge did not come off, the
enemy evidently expecting something of the kind concentrated
fire on the position. What a strange contrast is this day!
Here I am comfortably lying in my dug-out, having had a shave ,
a wash and mouth cleaning all in one cup of water, and general
change, and feel quite Sunday-like, while outside and all around
is the thunder of guns, the whistle & scream of bullets and
shells. Whistling Rufus gave us his usual pills this morning
but did not get anyone, tho' two were wounded by stray rifle
shots. The snipers are very accurate and dangerous; even in
these rest places one is not safe to unnecessarily expose.
Have been spending this couple of hours reading passages from
my Bible, and a feeling of calm reassurance and confidence comes
over me. Yesterday, morning the Turks blew up our trenches held
by the 10th Regt. and got them out, but the Australians rallied,
charged and recaptured the position, advanced to Turkish trenches,
pushed them into the second line of trenches and out of them, and
held these. Well done "Tenth!"
This afternoon we lost our brave little officer, Lieut.
S. McWilliam, than whom the Regt. boasted no better. He was on
the observation post and just turned round to give an order when
a bullet struck him in the left side of the head, coming out on
the right. Mr. Mac as he was familiarly called, died giving
his orders - his last words were "Stand to arms, Twelve hundred,
Five Rounds - Oh God! and fell back. It just required the word
"Fire" to complete the order. I feel a great loss keenly. The
first Officer of the 9th to go. Poor Mac!
" 31st.
Went into trenches again and I am in charge of the troops since
Mr. Mac's death; they buried him quietly last night. The night
for us was very quiet, but those on our left had a very heavy
attack delivered them, which they repulsed.
June 1st.
How time flies! Here it is 1st June and we are still a long way
from the end we started out to accomplish. Quiet day and night
in support. 

June 2nd.
Nothing of any consequence happened. Men have been in Rest
Trenches, which means that they do all the fatigues of water
and ration carrying for the Regt. Went into fire trenches
again, but owing to some alteration of routine came back to
support. There is a sniper shooting away at a loophole
only a few feet away; he has broken up quite a number of
periscopes and sand bags, so evidently is a crack shot.
June 3rd.
Quiet time all day, but evening finds a new Cruiser in
harbour and about 5 o'clock she flies several salvos
(69 shots in all) at some Turkish reinforcements appearing 

through the village a couple of miles away. It is King's
Birthday, and several officers have been promoted.
June 4th.
Still very quiet, hardly a shot being fired on either side.
At 9 p.m. the Col. sent out some volunteer bomb throwers as
was done last night; these were successful in throwing their
bombs and returned unhurt. In the afternoon we were relieved
from trenches altogether by a New Zealand Regt. We have
returned to a safe distance and are having a jolly good spell.
June 5th.
Have had a lovely rest. Slept all day except meal hours and
feel much refreshed as a result thereof.
June 6th. (Sunday)
Sitting here in our "dug-out" on this calm sabbath morn
between two rugged hills, gazing out upon a placid harbour,
one is given to reflection. What a contrast! Half a mile
behind us is the roar of battle; in front the more peaceful
view. 9 o'clock sees us assembled for Church Parade - the
first since leaving Egypt. No Hymn Books are there, yet in
that well-known Hymn - "Rock of Ages" there swells from the
throats of men a tunefulness and feeling which is deeply
stirring. The text is - "Choose ye this day whom ye will
serve, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
I have never seen these men listen as they have done this day;
notwithstanding their outward apparent callousness, these
rough hewn men have an undercurrent of thought which-is-which
is only brought to the top on occasions such as this, when,
more than anywhere else, they are brought face to face with
the stern fact that "we know not what a day or an hour may
bring forth". We sang "Jesus Lover of my Soul" with even
more fervour than we did the first Hymn. The service closed
with Benediction and National Hymn. Up here 200 ft. above
the sea it is very pleasant just to sit and watch the shipping.
Large transports, grey cruisers, sneaking black torpedo
destroyers, dashing steam tugs, all lend an air of business to
the scene. On each side of the Gully, reaching to the top of
the hills, wild tymne grows profusely
Evening. Men with nothing else to do now that they have had
a jolly good swim sit about yarning. Suddenly someone strikes 

up a hymn - "Where is my wandering boy tonight". The strain
is caught up until nearly all are singing it. Others follow,
and "Tell Mother I'll be there seems to put a fitting finish
to a very delightful SUNDAY. Truly God has greatly blessed
us, and we are truly grateful.
June 7th.
Today finds me/instructing a draft of reinforcements, which
of course we do not relish, as all this should have been done
ere they were sent to us. But our second in command has a
partiality for drill, hence this; however, orders are orders.
" 8th.
Still at the instructing business, and no time for anything
else. I had intended writing a letter but am only able to
send Field Service Cards, which convey very little indeed.
Just an occasional boom and a few cracks from rifles are the
only signs that opposing forces are ever on the watch.
" 9th.
Men are being instructed in bomb throwing and bayonet drill.
" 10th.
Still on the above, but 90 out tonight on a fatigue, sapping
in a place dangerous to work in, in the day time.
" 11th.
Enemy appear to have altered the position of their guns and
to have found the range exactly. They are lobbing shells
incessantly on the opposite of this gully from where I am,
along the beach and on the next ridge. They have given the
Mule Corps a bit of a banging, 6 mule drivers and 25 mules
being hit. A possible secret expedition did not come off
to disappointment of the men. Learn the good news this
evening that a Mail will be distributed to-morrow.
" 12th. (Saturday).
Morning much the same as yesterday, mail to be delivered at
3 p.m. The first for 5 weeks, so we are looking forward to
it eagerly. What a change. - This morning gay - this after-

noon, of all men most miserable. It is the saddest day in
my life, for it brings to me worst news a man can get - the
knowledge of a good Mother's death away back in the dear old
Homeland of Australia. I cannot think. Grief overwhelms me.
I am afraid for the dear ones left behind there, but away from
them, can do nothing but pray God to guard and keep them.
I would like to go back there now, but the other duty says stay.
I'm very said at heart tonight, and feel as if there is nothing
to live for now.
" 13th. (Sunday)
It was the first letter I opened which gave me the sad news.
It was from little Elsie King, dated 4th May. I received 17
others, but only one from home dated prior to that, which said
nothing of anything out of ordinary except drought. Smith had
one from Chris, I find, in which she says Mother is suffering

from dysentry, but expected her to be better. Poor little girl,
how our expectations are never realised. I must write and 

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thank her for her kindness, and yes, as she concludes
"sometime we'll understand". We had Church Service this
morning again. I went with a very sad heart; as the Minister
preached I did not hear much, but in some strange and wonderful
way God spoke to me. After Church Service I attended Communion
Service. It was dispensed by Lt.Col. Wray of dear old Rushworth.
It is good at a time like this to have a quiet talk with someone
one knows.
June 14th.
Quiet day, still a few shells here.
" 15th.
This day I received Hugh's letter giving particulars of Mother's
illness and death. Strange, yesterday I picked up a scrap of
paper and noticed in it Mrs. Merryful's sad death. Enemy rather
active to-day; considerable rifle fire being heard from over
the hill.
" 16th.
Went out road-making this afternoon with a party of 50 men.
Turks still very quiet. On our side, reinforcements are arriving
daily, so there should soon be a big advance.
" 17th.
Soon our spell will be over; we go back to trenches to-morrow
afternoon.
" 18th.
Spent last night and this morning in comparative quiet and went
to fire trenches in afternoon.
" 19th.
One of the quietest days we have had. We could hear the Turks
singing in their trenches also Bands playing in the distance.
The wailing songs and music give a certain unaccountable feeling.
This waiting and waiting seems strange, yet I suppose there is
purpose in it all, and sometime we will get the broader view and
know. How like Life is this, we are so prone to judge just from
the happenings in our own sphere.
" 20th.
We have retired to support trenches. This is another spell.
"Whistling Rufus" is at his capers again.
" 21st. (Monday)
The Turks appear to be bringing up artillery reinforcements for
they are beginning to pepper us with "Common" and "Shrapnel"
" 22nd.
We are now doing one day in and one day out of trenches, and
this is very wearying. We get little or no rest and water is
scarce, hence we wash "sometimes."
" 23rd. Again occupied trenches and secret sap which runs out
almost to Turks position. Men are standing the strain well
mentally but there seems to be considerable increase in cases
of diarrhoea, and I think this is caused by the continued salt
rations which are issued.
" 24th.
In support now, and those new guns of the enemy have got our range 

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to a nicety. They are lobbing plenty among us now. Even men
in their graves are not allowed to rest, several bodies being
hoisted clean up in the air and lobbed down disintegrated -
indeed loathsome. Will have to detail a party to rebury same
June 25th.
A very quiet uneventful day for us, but the destroyers are at
it with their guns. 1300 yds. away trenches, machine guns and
men are all intermingled. They switched round to those trenches
only 50 yds. in front of ours, and these share the same fate
and we get a bit of fair shooting before the Turks can get cover.
" 26th (Saturday).
Last night we saw several shells bursting in Turks' position.
There is nothing which rattles the morale of troops like unexpected 

and accurate shell fire.
" 27th.
This morning was awakened by a terrific bombarding of our
position. It seemed as though they were trying to work off
yesterday's debt, for they gave us shell after shell of common,
knocking our trenches about terribly; you would hear the
distant boom, then the swish, followed by the terrific crash.
They only got three ninth (wounded) but the eighth fared
badly, having some 25 casualities, including Major Gregory of 

Murchison and Capt. Crowle their Adjt. Their Colonel (Lt.Col.
White) was also wounded, one Q.M. shot, his leg blown clean off
in the fire trench. A curious coincidence was the fact that his
dug-out, right in rear, was blown to atoms. It seemed it had to
be. Poor Gregory had his chest and head blown away, and Capt.
Crowle's head was shattered. Have had a wash and swim, the
first for 4 days, a fellow feels terribly crumby when he has
to go that long without one. Another chap from another troop
was accidentally shot.
" 28th and 29th. Very quiet days.
" 30th.
This was a very quiet day, but the evening broke with a fierce f
fusilade for about half an hour. About 2.30 we were awakened by
another such, sprang to arms and learnt that the Turks were
attacking in force. We were in reserve and I started to lead
my troop into firing line but was ordered out to reinforce the

outpost at Turks point. The firing at this point was very heavy,
and I lost one man before we got to the position. Then we
extended along the ridge and in doing so lost two more, as also
did the machine gun. It fairly rained hail there and they even
succeeded in getting between our main trench and posts, but these
were soon accounted for, although in the morning there were three
who had established themselves in a bit of a dug-out and seemed
as if they meant to see it out; however, two of them went down
and the last surrendered. We remained on duty till morning, when
we returned to camp. We/lost only four men in the engagement,
whilst the Turkish losses were 250 killed and not removed. We
do not know how many were removed or wounded. I went round the
trenches in the morning, and the sight that met one's gaze was 

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horrible. Dead Turks and some not quite dead were lying about

just like rabbits after a night's poison being laid. We rescured 

the wounded by throwing our ropes to which they fastened them-

selves and were then drawn in; the dead near the trenches were

dragged in and buried. The Colonel seems as if he wants to have

all the glory on the victory and even sends out men at night to 

collect Turk's rifles; two men have been sacrificed this way

already.

July 1st. (Thursday).

Just fancy how the year is passing, and what are we seeing.

Some of the captured prisoners say that if the first attack was un-

successful (which it was), they were to repeat the attack tonight,

so we are all on the qui vive.

" 2nd. 

Evidently the Turks had enough, for they did not try another dose.

They just fired a few rounds, yet down below at the point the 

incessant cannonade proceeds with great roaring.

" 3rd.

Today we are inlying picquet. We left the Rest Camp at 7.30

and are out for 24 hours.

" 4th. (Sunday)

Independence Day! I wonder what the "public opinion" is saying

in regard to attitude. Have to go out myself tonight at

eleven with 56 men sapping. Was able to attend Church and

Communion Service today.

" 5th. 

A very quiet day.

" 6th.

Men are going out sapping again this afternoon but personally 

am resting and reading and writing.

" 7th

One would hardly think we were at war at all. There is hardly

a shot being fired. The Torpedo destroyers last night put in a

few pills and evidently made a few targets for the machine guns

started to play after each shell.

" 8th. Nothing to report.

" 9th. Men as usual are on sapping fatigues.

" 10th.

At the same thing. The Turkish artillery are giving the beach 

a picnic.

" 11th. (Sunday)

We are on inlying picquet since 7.30 this morning. Day very 

quiet. 

" Came- 12th.

Came off inlying picquet this morning and return to rest; camp

for more fatigues.

" 13th.

Am going out with a party of 12 men on water and ration fatigue.

I expect will be out all night. Mail in today, Hurrah!

" 14th.

As we went out yesterday met the A.M.C. bring along a couple