Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 6, 12 July - 3 August 1915, Part 2

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Part of Quest:
Sir John Monash (General, b.1865 - d.1931)
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open for review
Accession number:
RCDIG0000591
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

2 Ber St pass wpl. Iheriw 1 SPECLAL FORCE ORDER. persong GENERAL HEADGUARTERS, 17th July, 1915. The General Commanding has received information, which is believed to be reliable, that the enemy is concentrating a large force to attempt to make a final decisive attack on the Allied Forces in the Gallipoli Peninsula. A large party of Turkish notables -are about to visit the theatre of operations to see for deputies, Ulemas, journalists, etc. themselves what is taking place. In these circumstances, Sir lan Hamilton thinks it will interest the force under his command to know some details of the state of the Army which announces the intention of attacking us. The bravery of the Turkish soldier is proverbial, especially in defence, but the Turkish soldier of to-day labours under two disadvantages, viz: (a). He is controlled, although unwillingly, by his German taskmaster. (6). His heart is not in the present struggle except in so far as the safety of Constantinople is concerned. The following reports are significant: (1). In recent engagements, owing to bad sanitary arrangements and hot weather, a large proportion of the Turkish wounded have died. (II). A Turkish force estimated at 100,000 is now being collected for a final attack in the Peninsula. These are the last reinforcements that can be scraped together from any where, and many of the men are stated to be totally untrained. ((II). Information derived from prisoners taken by the French on July 12th and 13th established the fact that the whole of the 4th Division was in action on the French front during those days. It is stated that each regiment consisted of 4 battalions. The lst line of trenches was held by the 10th Regiment (first 3 battalions in front and 4th in reserve). The regim ent appears to have been almost annihilated, for according to the prisoners its companies were reduced to 60 or 80 men, and almost every officer killed. The 1lth Regiment is said to have been on the Turkish right of the 10th Regiment and probably in front of our troops. The 12th Regiment was in the second line of trenches. It led the counter-attacks and also suffered heavy losses. (IV). Prisoners state that they only arrived from Adrianople six days before the attack and on the way between Uzun Keupru and Keshan met the 15th Division on its way back to Adrianople. So heavily had they suffered that the whole three regiments made up no more than a total of two battalions. The Divisional Artillery, which followed, was reduced to two batteries and all seemed in sorry plight. (V). The Turkish rank and file having complained that their officers remained be hind and did not go forward in the fighting line like the officers of the Allied Forces, an order was given by Enver Pasha that all officers were to enter the firing line with their companies, and that a Colonel of a battalion should be not further than 800 yards to the rear. As a consequence in the 7Oth, Tlst and 72nd Regiments 52 officers were killed. (VI). Weber Pasha, who ten days ago was commanding the army on the Peninsula, has been superseded for incompetence by Vehib Pasha. These extracts do not speak well for the morale of the rank and file; on the other hand the Turk is a natural fighter. We have strong defences, and our own stout hearts will make them stronger. Added to which we have the advantage of believing in the justness of our cause, for, though the Turk is actually opposed to us, here, as in France, our enemy is Germany; the nation which uses poisonous gas and sinks a Lusitania, a nation which breaks every convention governing the conduct of hostilities, and abuses the red cross Hag. This is the nation which we are fighting and against which we shall prevail. The threatened attack will, once more, give us all the opportunity of dealing one more defeat to the German nation through their allies the Turks. Your courage in both attack and defence has already been amply proved. Now stand firm and, if the anticipated general attack should take place, Sir lan Hamilton need hardly point out what a chance this would be to confirm the ascendancy over the enemy which you have gained at the price of so much blood but with such noble gallantry. W.P. BRAITHWAITE, Major-General. Chief of General Staff, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. Printing Section, M.E.F. 100
4 88/1/528
4 Mns. saricaneesesesanas Colonel, N.Handers, A.M.S., tennenting Nodieal Corpe, Noy Resland and Lust. Div. Headquarters, ANEAC. 174h Juy 1825. Captain Fiaschi, A.A.M.C, having arrived from the Base vill assume the duties of Resinental Medical Officer, ist Aust.L.H. Rest, in re- 1ief of Captain Scannell, N.L.K.C.. puriss Captain Seannell, N.E.M.C, vill take ever the duties of Resinents] Hodsoal Officer, Iin Aust,- Battn, in rolicf of Captain Konny. A.A.N. C., who vill return to the 6th Aust Field Anvulance for duty. (sioned) N.Wanters, Coiohel.A.M.S. Conds. Nedieal Corps, New Zealand and Australian Divn.
LEYFOMSR o Tons BhSlca Na of Mooage MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. Office Stamp Charges to Pay. TMt arye N2 TMETMSMON 10 6 p aan7 Landed in at TESGWSNSNN STANONN SnaatSAEN AAA 2945 Badlipoley penensula mat & shortly issued submitts + I AA isell p sire 56 I1 18 1 Fnom 44 PLACEETIME 10.000 Pads SL. S. B.Led.—Forme C312. 16
L FAN SI O ror Cbsion MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. Na of Mooage Charges to Pay. OAWT 42 5 54 Surtes Rutrcton 9 10 noG Randed in at The Hust In 1 o t TM SMCCESRENN SMANONN AAA A74 276 47 19 B4.451 li move entimated Signat messender the moitse servce to Sectir fourth 0900 intorm you to whit reques Capt Henny hir t Regoin unit AAH Ascertained Has message aspatchet tiel to 1814 tob 0p 4r t 0 TNON D H PLAOEE TIME e 2130
JA FOrM Army Form C. 2121. MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. oo Nec Charge This message is on a/e of: Reed atII Olter of Oryse and Servioe intractions./ o - M service Drn D0 mumumunin mnmmmin Almatire of -FrantinE MLCP 16 T0 to A RenteGKit PASWEN Da AAA feare State teereon taps excimber adquised your S Battalion Fater Sen 38 afath 13 53 chair 14 Charfet Capt 15 It 60 Therry Copt. 16 20 70 From Place Time The Alice may be serented a nw anede 12) e 7e 1006 < Cenvor Cte of arearamaued CarN MME This line should be erased if not required wa II (632) —MCC. & Co. Lid., London— WIILOME 100,600 214 Forms C212Y1O.
TO Pom Coblan LAy SON SMN MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. No of Message— 4 CAMEOWPS OACOSN tws N2 B9 Sbm Mrte Mue 8-775 104 0 Handed in at. Recoyed #2 st e 190 DA AMON FTONGWNSNNN AAA AEN327 18 Mestated A4 My MYm 326 Captain Fraschi No1st XLI was hended the order for in question at 090t delievery to you copy of order now being sent. FROM 45 ADMs PLAORETIE i an M A.S.M. MM
TTFON SMR TO. PoM DuSlS MESSAGES AND SIGNALS Na of Message. OACOSAN CAAEOW PeS SH 70 £ B921 Ebm JMKNN 15 £4 oat 30 p on Handed in at Aust but trote DWOAHWOASNNE DaY t 222 124489 Commencing provs tonight epdien Mountain fire artillery Bde will arrange. a star I shell at 15 Minute ys tervats Wire to illumenate the unption of To begin H Tully H Legges Fully, the about 145 Mnute beloe night and sets ech Moon ds to dlight W addresse with nf Bde Aust ge yous woth receipt fche Ao 16 n FROM 124 EAORAMIT tee ine inene on adent maen
JO. FOM CSSSS LA SONSNN MESSAGES AND SIGNALS.LINa of Mosase St o t Charpeo to PaS. Ocosn / DHa 2857 28 MHM 18.7-15 r an 4l aon O47 17th Bae 5 STSOSSMO Day A STONGWONS 224 NR SSg2 18 There has been bee ir sheeling than usual today and it is possible it may be the prelude ato an attack tomget gap the JOC directe that all poss shall we warred to be extra wiligant tonight a prepared, for an paa sifuction that nay arse Acknowledge JBCS.Co Bathe 2/15 Touserac for information Noted Trotuan of Dore per 44 Ba 300r m. In9AD MCTAMN 2040 WA MOBd S. AALl-ForCAIM A.O. POW Co ASSONARN MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. No of Message— Sy 20 CAAPEONPE t 48 DRg 1 89 MNHMoN 0 18778 a f /27 4th Austs B D SWSGWNNNNN N4394 aaa the Gol wishes to see all Breddiere at div Hare at I1 am tomeblow and Please Cacknowledge tom and wary all Brigadiers and acting Brighdiers pon secfiont taa your tonel Smith should also attend please MON N.G.A. Dwn WORANR 2118 FAM AAE OL A.D.L-FrKMM
TO FOT DSSSN TAy SOMN S MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. Na of Measage D S CAAEWPE 48044 O B8 SMHMNoN 181773 ODBOm 12 Anabat ChR.S. Bde TTOSGISNSNNN SATANON AAA ✓ n29136 adg. Please repoy at Preading how many, aat relive once required tot complite will of one per mandad sseve cach man should have exentd add beinet MON MnoreM Tnnaclove Fa moorads 8rs. A.B.L-

Corpl Sherwood to pass round Bde Staff
personnel
SPECIAL FORCE ORDER.
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS,
17th July, 1915.
The General Commanding has received information, which is believed to be reliable,
that the enemy is concentrating a large force to attempt to make a final decisive attack on
the Allied Forces in the Gallipoli Peninsula.  A large party of Turkish notables -
deputies, Ulemas, journalists, etc. - are about to visit the theatre of operations to see for
themselves what is taking place.
In these circumstances, Sir lan Hamilton thinks it will interest the force under his
command to know some details of the state of the Army which announces the intention of
attacking us.
The bravery of the Turkish soldier is proverbial, especially in defence, but the Turkish
soldier of to-day labours under two disadvantages, viz:-
(a). He is controlled, although unwillingly, by his German taskmaster.
(b). His heart is not in the present struggle except in so far as the safety of
Constantinople is concerned.
The following reports are significant:-
(I). In recent engagements, owing to bad sanitary arrangements and hot weather,
a large proportion of the Turkish wounded have died.
(II). A Turkish force estimated at 100,000 is now being collected for a final attack
in the Peninsula. These are the last reinforcements that can be scraped together from anywhere,
and many of the men are stated to be totally untrained.
(III). Information derived from prisoners taken by the French on July 12th and
13th established the fact that the whole of the 4th Division was in action on the French
front during those days.
It is stated that each regiment consisted of 4 battalions. The 1st line of trenches
was held by the 10th Regiment (first 3 battalions in front and 4th in reserve). The regiment
appears to have been almost annihilated, for according to the prisoners its companies
were reduced to 60 or 80 men, and almost every officer killed.
The 11th Regiment is said to have been on the Turkish right of the 10th Regiment
and probably in front of our troops.
The 12th Regiment was in the second line of trenches. It led the counter-attacks
and also suffered heavy losses.
(IV). Prisoners state that they only arrived from Adrianople six days before
the attack and on the way between Uzun Keupru and Keshan met the 15th Division
on its way back to Adrianople. So heavily had they suffered that the whole three
regiments made up no more than a total of two battalions.
The Divisional Artillery, which followed, was reduced to two batteries and all seemed
in sorry plight.
(V). The Turkish rank and file having complained that their officers remained behind
and did not go forward in the fighting line like the officers of the Allied Forces, an
order was given by Enver Pasha that all officers were to enter the firing line with their
companies, and that a Colonel of a battalion should be not further than 800 yards to the rear.
As a consequence in the 7Oth, 71st and 72nd Regiments 52 officers were killed.
(VI). Weber Pasha, who ten days ago was commanding the army on the Peninsula,
has been superseded for incompetence by Vehib Pasha.
These extracts do not speak well for the morale of the rank and file; on the other
hand the Turk is a natural fighter.

We have strong defences, and our own stout hearts will make them stronger. Added
to which we have the advantage of believing in the justness of our cause, for, though the
Turk is actually opposed to us, here, as in France, our enemy is Germany ; the nation which
uses poisonous gas and sinks a Lusitania, a nation which breaks every convention governing
the conduct of hostilities, and abuses the red cross flag.
This is the nation which we are fighting and against which we shall prevail.
The threatened attack will, once more, give us all the opportunity of dealing one
more defeat to the German nation through their allies the Turks.
Your courage in both attack and defence has already been amply proved. Now stand
firm and, if the anticipated general attack should take place, Sir lan Hamilton need hardly
point out what a chance this would be to confirm the ascendancy over the enemy which you
have gained at the price of so much blood but with such noble gallantry.
W.P. BRAITHWAITE,
Major-General,
Chief of General Staff,
Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.
Printing Section, M.E.F. 

 

SEJ
RJK.
[[G?]]
J.M.
J.A.S
H-R-S.
J.B.S.
GD
H.W.S
A.J.D.
R.E.S 

 

Hdqrs
4th Aust Inf Bde 
23
M E D I C A L  C O R P S  O R D E R S
By,
Colonel, N.Manders, A.M.S., Commanding Medical Corps, New Zealand and Aust.Div.
Headquarters, ANZAC.
17th July 1915.
DUTIES.
Captain Fiaschi, A.A.M.C, having arrived from the Base will assume
the duties of Regimental Medical Officer, 1st Aust.L.H.Regt, in re1ief 
of Captain Scannell, N.Z.M.C..
Captain Scannell, N.Z.M.C, vill take over the duties of Regimental
Medical Officer, 13th Aust. Battn, in relief of Captain Kenny. A.A.M.C.,
who will return to the 4th Aust Field Ambulance for duty.
(Signed)
N.Manders, Colonel. A.M.S.
Comdg. Medical Corps, New Zealand and Australian Divn. 

 

"C Form (Duplicate)      Army Form C. 2123.
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS.   No. of Message
SM FK pn 57  1X2
ECM
Charges to Pay.
£. s. d.
18
Office Stamp.
Bq
21
17th-7-15.
Service Instructions.
Handed in at  NZ  Office  6/50pm.  Received  7/1 pm.
TO  4th Aust Inf Bde
Sender's Number     Day of Month   In reply to Number   AAA
NZ IG 9575                   17th
New maps of Gallipoli peninsular
are to be issued shortly
AAA Indents should be submitted
as early as possible AAA all
officers and senior NCO's are
to have a Copy.
Staff Captain
JPMcG
BRIGADE MAJOR, 4TH INF. BR
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE.
17 JUL1915
BM. 456
           18
            7
           15
FROM  NZA  Div.
PLACE & TIME  1845
32
5
16
53
W.2384-583.   30,000 Pads-8/14   S. B. Ltd.-Forms/C 2123.

 

"C" Form (Duplicate).    Army Form C. 2123.
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS.      No. of Message
42
Charges to Pay.
£  s.  d.
952
Office Stamp.
24
17/7/15 DG
Service Instructions.
Handed in at  nz   Office  9 50pm.  Received 9.52pm
TO  Aust Inf Bde
Sender's Number     Day of Month     In reply to Number    AAA
NZM 326                          17                       7 BM451
Move intimated by Signal
messenger service this morning
0900 to fourth section
with request to inform you AAA
Capt Kenny is to rejoin his
unit AAA Have ascertained
message not dispatched till
1815
OC 13th Bn
To note & inform
JPMcG  Lieut Colonel,
MAJOR, 4TH INF. BRIGADE
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE.
17 JUL 1915
Noted
[[LFClarke?]], Lt
a/adjt
FROM  ADM.S
PLACE & TIME  Anzac 2130 
W.2384-583.   30,000 Pads-8/14. S. B. Ltd.-Forms/C.2123.

 

"A" Form.    Army Form C. 2121.
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS.    No. of Message
Prefix      Code        m.
Office of Origin and Service Instructions.
Words     Charge
Sent
At      m.
To
By
This message is on a/c of:
Service.
(Signature of "Franking Officer.")
Recd. at       m.
Date  26 4
From  22
By
TO  Adjts
Sender's Number.      Day of Month     In reply to Number      AAA
                                            18th
Please state hereon
number of Maps
required by your
Battalion:-
13th  38.  [[LFClarke?]] Lieut  a/adn
14th  53  Chas MM Dare    Major.
15th  60  TPMcSharry Capt.    Capt
16th  52  H Pope Lt. Col
        205
            7 Bdes
         210
From
Place
Time
The above may be forwarded as now corrected.
Censor.
(Z) G Cooper Lt
4th Bde H.q.
Signature of Addressor or person authorised to telegraph in his name. 
This line should be erased if not required.
(632) -McC. & Co. Ltd., London. -  W 11400/2045. 100,000 2/15. Forms C2121/10.       

 

“C” Form (Duplicate).  Army Form C. 2123.
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS.   No of Message
SM . GW A36.
NZ
ECM
Charges to Pay.
£. s. d.
17
Office Stamp.
25
Bq
18-7-15
Service Instructions.
Handed in at NZ  Office 7/3am. Received 7-10am.
TO Hqrs 4th Aust Bde
Sender's Number     Day of Month    In reply to Number    AAA
NZM327                       18th
My NZM 326 mistated AAA
Captain Fiaschi MO 1st ALH
was handed the order
in question at 0900 for
delivery to you copy of. 
order now being sent.
FROM ADMS 0645.
PLACE & TIME 
W.2384-583. 30,000 Pads-8/14.  S. B. Ltd.-Forms/C.2123.

 

"C" Form (Duplicate). Army Form C. 2123.
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS.    No. of Message
SM. DLP 70 NZ
ECM
Charges to Pay.
£    s.   d.
18
Office Stamp.
Bq 26
18-7-15
Service Instructions.
Handed in at NZ Office 4/.55 pm. Received 5/4 pm.
TO Aust Inf Bde
Sender's Number        Day of Month           In reply to Number    AAA
NZG589                           18th  
Commencing from tonight Indian Mountain
Artillery Bde will arrange to fire
a star shell at 15 minute intervals
to illuminate the junction of Wire
Gully & Legges Gully AAA To begin
about 45 minutes before the
moon sets each night & end
with daylight AAA addressed to
both sections & Aust Inf Bde
AAA Ackge receipt
BM 458 18/7/15
FROM NZ ADW
PLACE & TIME 1650
W.2384-583. 30,000 Pads-8/14.  S. B. Ltd.-Forms/C.2123.

 

"C" Form (Duplicate).    Army Form C. 2123.
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS.    No. of Message
SM. 8/40p 60 DHQ
ES
Charges to Pay.
£      s.    d.
18
Office Stamp.
BQ 27
18.7-15
Service Instructions.
Handed in at NZ Office 2040m. Received 2047m.
TO 4th Bde
Sender's Number          Day of Month      In reply to Number   AAA
NZG593                             18th                       ---
There has been been heavier shelling
than usual today and it is
possible it may be the prelude
to an attack tonight AAA The
GOC directs that all posts shall
be warned to be extra viligant
tonight & prepared for any
situation that may arise aaa
Acknowledge
BM460
18/7/15
14th Battn
Forwarded for 
your information
G Cooper Lt
Bde Staff
2057
Noted J Williams Lt Col
14th Bat
FROM NZA Div
PLACE & TIME 2040
W.2384-583. 30,000 Pads-8/14.  S. B. Ltd.-Forms/C.2123.

"C" Form (Duplicate). Army Form C. 2123.
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS.    No. of Message
SM 920 48 DHQ
ES
Charges to Pay.
£    s.    d.
18
Office Stamp.
BQ
29
18 7 15
Service Instructions.
Handed in at NZ Office 2120m. Received 2127m.
TO 4th Austn Bde
Sender's Number      Day of Month     In reply to Number      AAA
NZG594                        18th                       ---
The GOC wishes to see all
Brigadiers at div Hqrs at 11 am
tomorrow aaa Please acknowledge [*BM 461*]
and warn all Brigadiers
and acting Brigadiers in 
your section AAA Colonel
Smyth should also attend please.
FROM NZA Divn
PLACE & TIME 2118
JM
W.2384-583. 30,000 Pads-8/14.  S. B. Ltd.-Forms/C.2123.

 

"C" Form (Duplicate). Army Form C. 2123.
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS.    No. of Message
SM 930p 44 DHQ
ES
Charges to Pay.
£. s. d.
18
Office Stamp.
BQ 30
18.7/15
Service Instructions.
Handed in at NZ Office 2130m. Received 21-36m.
TO 4th A I. Bde
Sender's Number      Day of Month     In reply to Number    AAA
NZQ136                          18th                      ---
Pressing AAA Please report at
once how many gas helmets
will required to complete
issue of one per man AAA
Essential each man should have 
helmet AAA
BM
462
FROM NZ & A Div
PLACE & TIME Anzac Cove
W.2384-583. 30,000 Pads-8/14.  S. B. Ltd.-Forms/C.2123. 

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