Diary for William Cameron, 1915 - Part 2

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of wounded, one of our chaps, the other a Maori. They had been
bathing and were 'sniped' off. Got back from the ration party
stunt at 3 a.m. this morning and felt pretty tired today. Out
of the mail I got 8 letters and 2 papers, these are like cases
in the desert. I forgot to mention that at intervals of about
an hour all night long bursts of fire would break forth from the
front trenches; this necessitated a specially keen lookout.
" 15th.
Had a quiet day generally. Was on Squadron Representative to
Col. to discuss purchase of stores for troops out of Regtl. Funds.
Had a shave etc. and again attended meeting of above board. There
was an issue of pay today.
" 16th.
Great speculation as to whether we are to go into trenches again
or go on inlying picquet. We go to the trenches at 11 a.m..
When we get there we are welcomed with a salvo of shells from
the enemy; no one hit. This shelter has had the top blown clean
off.
" 17th.
Whilst our men were cooking their breakfast this morning two
shells lobbed right on the parapet flattening out two men and
covering one right over; the breakfast suffered considerably,
but we had to have it or nothing. We were eating sand and gravel
with our curry stew. These are the very first trenches we occupied
when we arrived, but how different the position appears today.
We have advanced considerably on the left front, and Mr. Turk has
not been idle. Right in front is the ridge known as Popes Hill
upon which the 1st L.H. Brigade were establishing themselves then,
whilst behind that is the great Quinns Port, much renowned among
Australians; it has been taken & lost, retaken and lost time
and again by the Infantry chaps. Our fellows hold it at present
but the trenches are only 10 yds. apart, so one can imagine the
good time each side has with bombs and hand grenades.
" 18th (Sunday)
Last night was about the most agonising I have spent here
I had severe toothache and determined to have it drawn; this
morning I held to my determination, and am wondering whether
the cure is not as bad as the ache. It will be better when the
gums heal, I suppose. Towards evening the Turks began shelling,
but the shells went over our trenches to the reserves. We are
holding an "easy" line just now. They threw several bombs last
night also, one of which damaged a water barrel and wounded one
man. The explosion threw two others out of their beds. All
night long there was considerable restlessness, rockets and
searchlights being used continuously, and quite a lot of rifle
firing. We really expected an attack, but nothing of any
consequence occurred. Tonight I have had a real good feed.
"Resoulles (can’t spell it) well made by our man, sauce, jam,
bread, and a lovely "Dixie" of tea.
" 19th.
Last night was a repetition of the previous night; shells and

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rockets illuminating. There are persistent rumours of a big
attack any day now, but somehow I do not think the Light Horse
will be right amongst it.. A heavy bombardment continues at
the point; there must be some real excitement down there,
attack and counter attack being the order of the day. We had
one man hit this morning. The bullet struck the magazine,
glanced off, tearing part with it, and entered his shoulder.
Other pieces hit him in forehead, eye, temple and cheek bone,
but he bore it bravely, going away quite cheerfully on the stretcher
July 20th.
Today we are glad because of a mail; I got 6 letters. A
continued restlessness is apparent right along the lines.
Things appear to be working up to a climax again. Our
aeroplanes have been rather active too, scouting continually
over enemy's position.
" 2lst.
The night was uneventful except for a demonstration at 11 p.m.
A few bombs were thrown and got Corp. Hannaford and five men.
About midday our artillery started to fire and was vigorously
replied to by Turks using French 75's. Quite a number of good
dinners were spoilt and rests disturbed. Smith's section were
completely enveloped in earth, likewise their dinner which they
were preparing and had placed on foot rest.
" 22nd.
A very quiet day and night except that we made a bit of a fire
demonstration.
" 23rd.
The approaching climax seems very imminent as word has been
received of the approach of several thousand reinforcements for
the enemy. Preparations are going ahead apace for their
reception here, and everybody is excited at the prospect of a
scrap. It should come within 3 days now.
" 24th.
Last night was a bit of an ordeal as off and on we stood to
arms half the night, but nothing eventuated, tho' at about
12 midnight the Turks opened with considerable fury, but it
was only rifle fire, and was not sustained. Perhaps it will
come tonight.
" 25th.
It did not come though, and still we wait and watch. How
wearying is this inactivity. Frank Burrell came round to see
us today. Hear during the day that the Turks are not yet
within two days march. Also that we are likely to go back
to our horses as soon as Kitcheners army arrives. Horses!
Oh how we will appreciate them after this rabbit warren. Still
I do not disparage infantry but they are specially trained for
this and other sustained methods of warfare. L. Horse are not,
and find it hard to adapt themselves to it.
" 26th.
Seems to have been considerable movement on their part during
night, quite a number of barricades being put up and a continuous
fire directed at our trenches. Bombs were used freely.

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July 27th.
Last night their artillery started to shake us up a bit in
response to some bomb throwing by us from the secret sap.
I really think the bomb is the most to be feared except of
course the gas, but as yet they have not started to use it
here; if they do all preparations are made to safeguard the
men and of course retaliation in like form will be resorted to.
" 28th. (Wednesday)
Still the expected is to be expected.
" 29th.
Last night everyone was agog with excitement, for at about
4.30 a.m. the rifle and machine gun fire was increased, but
though our fellows called to them to come on they did not
leave their trenches. We were relieved today by the 8th Regt,
I believe Captain Day is not yet back from Hospital. We have
taken up a nice bivouac with a lovely sea view.
" 30th.
Rested all day but do not feel very fit at.all. An aeroplane
flew across our lines last evening and things got quite exciting
when it became known that it was the enemy, especially when one
of ours was up at the same time. We really expected to see an
aerial fight but our chap kept well above and away, evidently
he was in an unarmed observation plane. Not so the Turk or
German - he flew with speed right across and dropped a bomb
near the supply depot. No harm was done however.
" 31st.
It is our day as duty Regt. and nearly all the men are on some
fatigue, tho' personally I am resting, not feeling too good yet.
August 1st. (Sunday)
Our squadron was on inlying picquet but otherwise things were
very quiet. Went to Church and Communion.
" 2nd.
Considerable numbers of reinforcements are landing am every-

thing is "hustle".
" 3rd.
Still the excitement continues and the Turks are very "jumpy",
firing thousands of rounds of ammunition.
"4th. (Wednesday)
Again the same thing. Troops landing each night. Went on inlying
picquet.
" 5th. (Thursday).
One of the worst jobs I have ever been on was that inlying
picquet. It was work, work, and detail men for fatigues.
I saw a number of Gurkhas and they are splendid looking fellows.
We are nearing the day of great things now and ere another entry
is made in this book we will have passed through a very trying
ordeal. We are leaving almost everything behind; whether we see
it again or not will be a matter of luck. And now we go forward
in the full consciousness of a "duty" clear before us", and
whether it be decreed that we come through or not we can only say
"Thy Will be done". God grant comfort to those in anxiety and
sorrow and give our leaders wisdom.

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August 17th. (Tuesday).
It is twelve days since I saw this book; we had some severe
fighting and it turns out that we have gained little in
territory or position, yet sacrificed thousands of lives.
On that eventful Friday when the advance was ordered, I was
placed in charge of the Regtl. Sharp Shooters and took up
position on the left at three o'clock in the morning and
waited the rush forward of our comrades. The eighth Regt.
was the first out. We saw them climb out and move forward
about ten yards and lie flat. The second line did likewise;
meantime the Turkish fire increased in intensity, and as they
rose to charge the Turkish Machine Guns just poured out lead
and our fellows went down like corn before a scythe.
" 18th.
I did not have time to finish the tale yesterday, so will
continue now. The distance to the enemy trench was less than
50 yds. yet not one of those two lines got anywhere near it.
The tenth were called up and ordered out, and went in similar
manner facing certain death unflinchingly. They were cut up
something terribly. The ninth Regt. were then pushed in to
further feed the guns and from our position of covering fire
we could see the wholesale sacrifice being made, not a man
demurring. When it was seen that the position was unassailable,
the advance was stopped, and what for it ? four hundred and
ninety casualties in less than a quarter of an hour. Yes, it
was heroic, it was marvellous, the way those men rose, yet it
was murder. It was a grave set back to the prowess of the
third Brigade. Very few got back. We in the ninth lost
Colonel Miell, Capt. Codz. S.S.Maj. Harvey and men. The
eighth lost almost all the officers and Colonel; the tenth
suffered nearly as badly. Out of the three Regts. comprising
the Bde. I don't think we could now raise nor officer or
complete regiment. It was to have been a general advance and
fresh divisions comprising thousands of fresh troops were
landed on Friday night 6th August and subsequently, and the
great move began away round on the left and continued incess-

antly for 4 whole days. When we could not advance we settled
to hanging on. If there are any troops more worthy of mention
than others they are the New Zealanders and the Gurkhas. These
two bore the brunt of the whole attack and the further point att-

ained and still held is the result of their splendid co-operation.
The Territorial Regiment seem to lack that "stick to itiveness"
which marks his brother "Tommy" (The Regular), and places that
were taken and left behind as the N.Z. went on were occupied by
these and when counter attacked in force they fell back, thus
exposing the flanks, which perforce had to fall back accordingly.
Yet I must say I watched one regiment trying to build up a firing
line, and having built it up, advance to a fresh position. On
they went, line after line (4 of them). Backwards they were
driven, again they came back, they were forced, still again they

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rallied, and with bayonets glittering in the evening sun they
stormed and won. Hurrah! How I thrill at the thought of it now.
The other infantry were operating on our right, but though they
did splendid work I did not have the opportunity of seeing them.
The whole operation seems to have resulted in failure, partly
from a want of full recognition of the Turks ability to fight,
and because we had not enough men at hand to hold on when positions
were won, which is the disheartening part. Still we are not
defeated; we are beaten to fight better and God grant that men
will realize the greatness of this project and whatever the
sacrifice, make it, in order that our Grand Old Flag may still
wave over a United Empire. We are still holding Russells Top,
and the strain is telling terrbily on all ranks. Whenever one
looks in the direction of the Turkish trenches one sees the
bodies of our own chaps in almost the same places as were the
bodies of the Turks after the 30th June. Nothing can be done
to get them buried or brought in except those which are very
close to our own trench. The smell is dreadful. Nothing can
compare with decomposed human flesh for horror. The intervening
space is continually lit up by flares and bombs and several
bodies have been burnt thus. It seems cruel, but from a health
point it is better, whoever does the burning.
August 19th.
Still we are here with continual battle going on all around.
Poor old Maude got one in the head today. Smith went to hospital
with a temperature.
" 20th.
Not feeling too good today, diarrhoea being the complaint. Dr.
put me off duty and am drawing extra ration of maizena and eggs.
" 2lst.
I am still off duty with the same complaint, tho' for want of
N.C.Os. I'll have to help in moving the squadron. At 3 p.m.
a great bombardment from our artillery and naval guns started,
the objective being W Hill, which has been the bane of our h lives
since we landed. Several officers are watching with glasses and say
that each successive line of our people as they leave their trenches
sweep on magnificiantly. The roar of artillery is deafening.
The crackle and rattle of musketry continuous. The smoke is
blinding, but must go on. It has to be won this time of winter
here, which will be worse.
" 22nd. (Sunday)
For here, rather a quiet day. I went to Communion Service this
morning, and feel doubly comforted at hearing the words from the
old Book and partaking of the Sacred Rite. I wrote a few letters
today also.
" 23rd.
Same thing continued. Have been promoted A/Sgt. Maj. Cr Sqdrn.
" 24th.
A bit of an advance by the left wing gains us some territory
" 25th.
Rather a quiet day. Received my promotion to 2nd Lieut. today and

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was congratulated by the General and Colonel. We "wet" the
occasion in the Colonels dugout, and at 7.30 p.m. were again
invited to attend thereat to be introduced to the Regtl.
Officer. The reception was most cordial and we sang and toasted
until 8 o'clock. The Colonel said that he was pleased to be able
to congratulate us on our promotion on the field. He felt that
promotion gained thus was indeed a great honour and was equal to
a D.S.O. It was a reward for work well and faithfully carried
out. He said we had no one to thank but ourselves, no influence.
Of course we three all felt flattered at what he said. Mine is
the Senior appointment in the combatant ranks. We are told that
we are being withdrawn after 3 months hard work, and fighting,
and we are overjoyed accordingly.
August 26th. (Thursday)
A number of fresh arrivals are about today and no doubt after they
become acquainted with the trenches and methods of trench warfare
they will relieve us, and we will go and enjoy our well earned rest.
12 mid-day. How our Castles in air fall! We are just informed
that we must pack up and move out to a new position on the left
at 4 p.m.. Of course everyone is disappointed, but if duty calls,
men must go.
" 27th.
Well we had a long trip away out north with full packs up. The
distance is about 3 miles, and as we were in weak condition for
marching we felt it very much and were dog tired when we halted
for the night. We slept very soundly on the open ground and
relished the change from trenches to grass.
" 28th.
We have been resting all day and appreciate this pretty little
bivouac amongst the foot hills, lovely little gullies covered with
wild thyme and gorze in the foreground, whilst away across the flat
rise the high and precipitous height s of Walkers Ridge and
Rhododendron and 971. Am expecting another good night's rest.
" 29th.
Once/again our plans go agee. at 6.30 p.m. the Colonel sent for
me and gave me orders to report to Brigade Headquarters as
Orderly Officer. I went round and reported to General Russel.
Had not been there long when I got orders for our Regt. to supply
1 officer and 50 men for reinforcements on an important position
which they had taken during the evening after a prolonged artillery
bombardment. Those were supplied and sent off. An hour later they
called for 100 more and 2 officers and later for 25. These were 
duly sent along and I reported back to Bde. H.Q. I just got back
when Colonel Reynell arrived behind me and asked the General to
allow him to accompany his own Regt. This he was permitted to do,
and after giving me some instructions for the 2nd in Command
started off for the position; just as he left he turned to me and
said "Goodnight Cameron". I do not know how it was but I felt a
premonition that we would not meet again, and so it proved, for
during the night by some instructions received later an attempt was
made to take some more trenches. It was a gallant charge led by
the Colonel and two Captains. On the command "The ninth Regiment

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will charge" they leaped over the parapet and raced for those
lines of Turkish trenches on Hill 60. The fire, as always,
was very furious, and men fell like flies. Col. Reynell and
Capt. Jaffray were killed and Capt. Callary is missing,
probably killed also. The hill and slopes are covered with
dead and trenches are filled with bodies, friend and foe.
We have thus lost two Colonels and 3 Captains in less than a month.
We have had reinforcements since we came here which would bring us
if there were no casualties up to 800 men, and out of all these I 
a sure this morning we cannot muster 200. In my own troop I can
only muster eight effectives out of forty-two.
August 30th. (Monday)
Last night the Hill was further attacked. the 9th, or what was
left of them, on the left, and the tenth on the right. They
cleared the intervening space like greyhounds, hoisted out the
Turks, and thus we won the whole line and joined up the position
with what was taken the previous night. The tenth lost three
officers and 24 killed besides wounded. We lost only two or
three. It is a horrible experience as one lobs into a trench
full of dead and feels the flesh squelch under foot; the feeling
is sickening. In the day time we have to make our way over
hundreds in going from place to place in the line. We are
digging fresh trenches beside the old and filling the dirt into
them. During the afternoon the scrub beyond our lines was set
on fire, so there are numbers of bodies that will never be
identified.
Killed Saturday Morning, Sept. 4th, 1915,
about 9.15 a.m.
Buried same evening.
(sgd) Jno. C. Chanter.
Lieut.