Charles E W Bean, Diaries, AWM38 3DRL 606/267/1 - 1914 - 1915 - Part 7

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the 18th, in order that the gun fire of the fleet might be as
accurate as possible.
The morning of the 18th was fine though it was
at first doubtful whether the direction of the wind - which was from
the south - would allow the operations to take place under favourable
conditions for spotting, there was also a slight haze over the land,
this however cleared and the wind having fallen, the signal was made
at 8.26 a.m., that operations would be proceeded with, commencing at
10.30.a.m.
At 8.15 a.m. the commander of the British minesweepers 
reported area between 8,000 and 10,000 yards range was
traversed by sweepers on the night of 17th and 18th without result.
Senior Officer of French minesweepers at 8.45.a.m.
reported that they had swept as far as White Cliffs "eleven cutters
showed signs of working - no mines have been caught in the sweeps.”
8.50. a.m. Signal was made to French Admiral that Vice Adml did
not wish him to approach nearer than 500 yards to the
position of the reported mines situated S.E. of
Saundere Bay.
9.7. a.m. It was reported that "Mosquito" had sunk 3 electric
mines, none of which exploded, these were evidently
empty mine cases which were used to form a boom defence
below Saundere Bay, and which had been broken up by our
explosive creeps.
9.10 a.m. Destroyers fitted with light sweep, were ordered to
sweep in ahead of the fleet.
10.30 a.m. Ships reported "Ready for action and Line "A" proceeded
in the following order:-
                                                "Agamemnon”
"Prince George Consort”  "Lord Nelson”               “Triumph"
(on Port Beam).                  "Queen Elizabeth”.      (on Starboard 

                                                                                           Beam)

                                                “Inflexible"
Destroyers with sweeps preceeded line "A" into the
Dardanelles. Each Battleship had one picket boat in 
attendance on her to deal with floating mines and Wear was
also in attendance on "Queen Elizabeth".
"Dartmouth" was ordered to patrol the North Coast of
Gallipoli to fire on any batteries she could locate and
which were firing on the fleet inside the straits.
"Dublin" demonstrated against Bashika Bay and watched
Yeni Shehr.
11. 0. a.m. Ships were engaging field guns and howitzers firing from
the Asiatic shore.
11.15 a.m. Four steamers were observed in the middle of the stream
off Chanak, these made off up the straits about 15 min.es
later.
11.25 a.m. "Queen Elizabeth" opened fire on Fort No. 19. "Agamemnon"
'Lord Nelson" and "Inflexible" opening fire shortly
afterwards in the order named. All Line "A" were firing
by 11. 36.a.m.
1140 a.m. "Triumph" was firing at Fort No. 8. at a range of 10,400
yards.
Line "A" was now being subjected to a heavy fire from
howitzers and/
 

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howitzers and field guns. One battery of the former,
using 4 guns of about 6” calibre, which fell together,
was particularly annoying. The forts also opened fire
but the range,about 14,400 yards, was evidently too
great for them and they fired only a few shots, none of
which took effect.
11.50. a.m.A big explosion was seen in Fort No.20 on which "Queen
"Elizabeth" was now firing,"Agamemnon" and "Lord Nelson"
were apparently making good practice against Forts Nos.
13 and 17.
About this time the fire from the heavy howitzers was less
intense, but there were still a large, number of smaller
guns firing on ships of Line A, all of whom were struck
several times at this period.
O. 6. p.m. "Suffren" "Bouvet" "Gaulois" "Charlemagne" (who formed the
first line "B") were ordered to pass through Line "A" and
engage the Forts at closer range.
The wind at this time was blowing almost straight from
the ships to Chanak, making spotting difficult from aloft.
"Suffren" led the French squadron through Line "A" well
ahead of Bouvet and by o.32.p.m. she came under fire from,
and engaged, the forts. Fort No. 13 was firing 4 guns and
Forts Nos. 19,7a,9, and 8 all opened fire and possibly 16 as
well.
The action now became general, both line A and B engaging
the forts and at the same time, the lighter batteries.
Fort No. 7a. was very persistent, and seemed hard to hit.
O.47. p.m. "Aramemnon" was being made the target for most of the
lighter guns, she turned 32 pts and the batteries lost the
range.
"Inflexible" was also under heavy fire, and a picket boat
alongside her was sunk.
O.52.p.m. Some large projectiles were falling into the water about
500 yards short of the line B.
Forts Nos. 13, 19, 7a, and 8, were all firing their
practice was good, chiefly directed against line "B".
"Prince George" and "Triumph".
O.56. p.m. "Inflexibles" fore bridge observed to be on fire blazing
fiercely.
About this time a heavy explosion occurred in Fort No. 13.
1. 15.p.m. Line "B" under a heavy fire - "Suffren" apparently hit
several times. Fort No. 8 had now ceased firing.
1. 25.p.m. There was a slight lull in the firing,"Lord Nelson" however
being straddled by a 6" battery.
"Gaulors" and "Charlemagne" were making good practice on
Forts Nos. 13 and 16.
"Inflexible quitted line to extinguish fire and clear
control top, which had been wrecked by a shell and all
personnel therein disabled. 

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1.38.p.m. Seaplane reported "Fort No. 16 firing, 19 hit, 17 hit,but
firing, new battery at Kephez Point not manned, battery south
of Saunders River firing.
1. 43. p.m. There was little firing - Minesweepers were ordered to close.
The French squadron were ordered out of the straits, also
"Prince George" and "Triumph" the ships relieving them being
up, just inside the straits.
1.54. p.m. "Suffren" leading line "B" out of straits, with Bouvet
immediately astern. A large explosion occurred on the starboard 
side of the latter, abaft the after bridge, accompanied
by dense masses of reddish black smoke.
"Bouvet" capsized to starboard and sank within two minutes of
first explosion.
From the "Queen Elizabeth" it appeared that the explosion was
not due to a mine, but possibly to a large projectile, it was
also/occurred, as she was previously observed to be on fire
aft, and she sank so rapidly there appears little doubt that
her magazine blew up, but whether it was exploded by a mine,
gun fire, or an internal fire, is not clear.
British boats were quickly on the scene, but the whole
episode occupied so short a time, that few of the crew could
have reached the upper deck only 66 survivors were picked up.
"Suffren" stood by till all survivors were picked up, the
remainder of her line proceeding out of harbour. The enemy
fired a few shells at the boats picking up survivors without
however obaining any hits.
2. 15 pm."Queen Elizabeth" and "Lord Nelson" were practically the only
ships firing, the forts being silent. About this time the enemy
again opened fire with their 6” howitzer battery.
2. 31. p.m. Seaplane over forts at 1.p.m. reported troops at Kephez Point.
Forts Nos. 13, 16, 17 and 19 all manned and firing; Saundere
also firing.
2.32. p.m. New line "B" passed through line "A” to engage forts at closer
range. This line cosisted of "Vengeance "Irresistible"
"Albion" and "Ocean", with "Swiftsure" and "Majestic" in
support.
2.52. p.m. Line "B" were engaged with forts of which only No. 19 was
firing at all rapidly.
3. 7.p.m. Large explosion behind Fort No. 13, from the volume of smoke
it appeared that an oil tank had been set on fire.
3. 14. p.m. A heavy explosion was observed alongside "Irresistible",
evidently a big shell.
All forts were now firing rapidly but inaccurately. Fort
No. 19 apparently concentrating on "Irresistible". "Queen
Elizabeth" in consequence opened salvo firing on it.
3. 32. p.m."Irresistible" was/observed to have a slight list.
4. 11. p.m. "Inflexible" reported "struck a mine,"she proceeded out of
straits.
4. 14. p.m. "Irresistible" apparently unable/to move, and with a noticable
list "Wear" was ordered to close her and ascertain what was
the matter, signalling communication having broken down.
o considered that a magazine explosion had

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4.14. p.m. (Contd). "Irresistible" was ordered to proceed out of straits if able
to do so, and "Ocean" to prepare to take "Irresistible" in tow.
"Wear" was seen to go alongside "Irresistible" and subsequently
returned to "Queen Elizabeth" at 4.50.p.m. with 28 officers
and 582 crew of "Irresistible" on board her.
It was then ascertained for the first time that "Irresistible"
had struck a mine, both engine rooms being immediately flooded.
As the ship was helpless her commanding officer decided to
remove a portion of the crew, retaining the executive officers
and 10 volunteers to work wires etc. should,it be found possible
to take her in tow.
The operation of removing the crew was carried out in a perfectly
orderly manner, the ship being under fire the whole time from
Forts Nos. 7 & 8 and batteries near Aren Kioi.
4.50. p.m When it was learnt that "Irresistible" had also struck a mine,
orders were given for line "B" to withdraw.
4.50. p.m. "Wear" having disembarked crew of "Irresistible "was ordered
to close "Ocean" and "Irresistible" and direct the former to
withdraw if she was unable to take the latter in tow.
5.50. p.m. Survivors on board "Irresistible" were removed to "Ocean", the
Captains of both ships being of opinion that it was impracticable,
to take "Irresistible" in tow, she being bows on to the Asiatic
shore, listing badly, at right angles to the course for going
out and there appearing to be insufficient room to manoeuvre
between her and the shore.
It was therefore determined to leave her till dark, when an
attempt to tow her would be made with destroyers and minesweepers,
arrangements being meanwhile taken to torpedo and sink her in
deep water, should there be any chance of her grounding, this was
always a possibility, as she was in the dead water off White
Cliffs, with a light breeze blowing up the straits.
"Irresistible" having been abandoned, it was decided in view of
the unexpected mine menace, to abandon the mine sweeping of the
Kephez minefield, it being inadvisable to leave heavy ships
inside the straits to cover the minesweepers.
6.5. p.m. "Ocean" while withdrawing, struck a mine and took a quick list to
starboard of about 15 degrees.
At the same time a shell, striking the starboard side, jambed
the helm nearly hard aport. The list becoming gradually greater,
her Commanding Officer determined to disembark the crew, this
was done in the Destroyers "Colne", "Jed", and "Chelmer" under
a heavy cross fire from Forts Nos. 7 and 8 and batteries at
Aren Kioi. "Chelmer" was twice struck while alongside "Ocean".
Destroyers "Wear" "Racoon" "Mosquito" and "Kennet" also stood by
"Ocean".
When all were reported clear of the ship, the Captn. embarked in
"Jed" and lay off till dark; he then returned to her to make
absolutely certain no one was left on board and that nothing
could be done to save her.
His opinion being that nothing could be done, the ship was
finally abandoned in the centre of the straits at about 7.30.p.m.
 

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6.5.p.m.(contd).  The Captains of "Ocean" and "Irresistible" after reporting to
the Vice Admiral Commanding, returned to the Dardanelles to
join the destroyers, which
with six minesweepers, had been
ordered to enter the straits after dark to endeavour to two-tow
"Irresistible" into the current and prevent "Ocean" drifting
out of it.
No trace of either ship could be found, this was confirmed by
"Jed" at 11.p.m. after an exhustive search, "Canopus" at daylight 
also reconniotred, and found no trace of either. There is
no doubt both ships sank in deep water.
The squadron anchored at Tenedos for the night, "Canopus" and
"Cornwallis" being on patrol with destroyers at the entrance
of the straits.
The damaged ships were dealt with as follows:-
"Inflexible" anchored north of Tenedos.
"Gaulois" grounded on North of Drepano Island.
Damage due to gunfire.
On the morning of the 19th instant, Contre Admirl.
Guepratte informed me that the "Suffren" was leaking forward,
it had been necessary to flood the fore magazine, on account
of fire and a heavy shell had started a leak.
"Inflexible" "Suffren" and "Gaulois" will therefore
require to go to Malta for repairs.
(Sgd). J. M. de Robeck.
Vict. Alml.
Adml's report of proccedings 19th March - 24th April 1915.
"After the indecisive attack on the defences of the
narrows on 18th March, it was imperative to reorganise the
sweeping flotilla our losses in ships on that day being entirely
due to the presence of mines, and not to the enemys gun fire.
Certain ships were also in need of temporary repairs for minor
damages inflected by the guns of the forts at the narrows.
A patrol consisting of two battleships with attendant
destroyers was kept constantly off the entrance of/the Dardanelles
entering the straits only for some specific object, and then
always preceded by minesweepers.
The reorganisation of the minesweeping flotilla proved
a lengthy operation, as new crews had in the majority of cases
to be provided for trawlers - the crews who had brought the boats
out from England, being unwilling to continue sweeping operations
which of necessity had to be carried out under fire which was
sometimes very heavy. Volunteers from the fleet manned those
boats in which the original crews refused to stay. Bad weather
seriously delayed the practice of the new crews.
Diary of events 19th March to 24th April inclusive.
19th March. A patrol of two battleships with attendant destroyers
was established at entrance to Dardanelles.
Remainder of fleet anchored north of Tenedos.
Temporary repairs being carried out on "Inflexible", "Suffren",
'Gaulois" and Chelmer".
Reorganisation/ 

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Reorganisation of trawlers crews commenced using crews of
late "Ocean" and "Irrexistibele and volunteers from fleet.
Experiments being carried in fitting destroyers with Sweeps
in order to possess sweeping, ^[[craft?]] capable of working against current
of Dardanelles.
Rising Sea prevented our reconnaissance of straits by seaplanes.
20th March. "Agamemnon" "Lord Nelson" despatched to patrol in Gulf of Xeros.
"Gaulois" re floated after repairs had been executed by divers
from "Albion” and "Triumph."
After dark "Grampers" carried out experimental firing at
Kephes searchlights, using smoked glasses.
Progress on "Inflexible" satisfactory, salvage vessel commenced
pumping out.
State of weather again prevented aerial reconnaissance of
straits.
21st March. Southerly gale, no operations possible.
Arrangements concluded to move troops to Egypt 5,000
Australians only remaining in Lemnos.
In afternoon gale suddenly veered to northward, necessitating
the moving of fleet to south side of Tenedos. "Inflexible"
made the passage without accident.
"Queen Elizabeth" sailed for Mudros.
"Agamemnon" and "Lord Nelson" ordered to Mudros. "Dublin"
to Xeros on patrol.
French contre-admiral requested to take command of this patrol
wi4h his ships and askold.
Enemy displayed no activity in neighbourhood of Bulair.
22nd March. Meeting between Vice Adml & Genl Sir Ian Hamilton to discuss
future operations.
North easterly gale, operations suspended.
Reported by American S.S."Maine" that a Turkish Torpedo Boat
manned by Germans entered Smyma 19th March.
A British destroyer was dispatched to watch the Gulf and
"Dublin" recalled from Xeros preparatory to carring out air
reconnaissance of the part.
Gale interfering with sweeping-destroyers practicing under
lee of Tenedos.
23rd March. Major Temple R.M.A. appointed Military Governor and chief
censor Tenedos, and arrangements made to land Royal Marine
guard selected from detachments from late "Ocean" and
"Irresistible" for safe custody of airodrome and patrol of
island.
Strong North-easterly wind continues, no sweeping operations
possible and rough sea preventing the landing of aeroplanes
at Tenedos.
Sailing of "Dublin" and Seaplane carrier "Rabenfels" for
Smyma postponed.

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 24th March. Gale continuing. Destroyers and trawlers continuing sweeping
at entrance of straits.
Landing of Aeroplanes still delayed.
"Dublin" and "Rabenfels" proceeded to Smyma. Enemy fired
on sweepers at entrance to straits from both shores.
Some floating mines seen and sunk.
25th March. "Suffren"and "Gaulois" sailed for Malta. Contre Admiral 
transferring his flag to Charlemagne.
Sweeping vessels engaged at entrance of straits;a few shots
fired at them.
North easterly gale still/continuing.
"Agamemnon" and"Lord Nelson" patrolling in Xeros Gulf under
Contre-Amiral Commander Douglas engaged in making close
reconnaissance of west of Gallipoli.
Enemy using moveable searchlights on Asiatic shore.
25th March.  Enemy aeroplane observed late in the evening.
Rough sea at Smynna preventing seaplane reconnecting port.
26th March.  Weather improving.
French seaplane after flight of 90 miles, reported on torpedo
boat inside harbour.
"Sapphire" sent to Syrna to take command of patrol. British
seaplane reconnoctred straits and saw no signs of sunken ships,
reported one gun of Fort No. 19 destroyed.
One enemy Giplane sighted over Gallipoli
Squadron in Xeros Gulf shelled enemys position at Bulair
without eleciting a reply from his guns and no movements of troops
seen.
27th March. Seaplane made useful reconnaissance of Dardanelles. Observed
new Batteries and ships at Nagara. reported salvage operations on
Sapher appear to have been discontinued.
Battleship on patrol shelled Krithia village without drawing
enemy's fire, his troops had been reported in neighbourhood of
village.
Minesweepers operating inside straits at night were fired on
without however suffering any damage.
Destroyers covered minesweepers.
28th March. Battleships on patrol fired a few shells into Krithia also
engaged concealed guns. "MajesticE being assisted in spotting
by an aeroplane with good results.
Destroyers were fired on at night from Seddul Bahr. Several
floating mines were sunk.
29th March. Enemy aeroplane attacked "Ark Royal" in forenoon, dropping two
large bombs; both missed, though one fell within ten yards
of the ship.
British aeroplanes all landed at Tenedos. Anti aircraft guns
mounted in aerodrome.
 

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29th March  (Contd). Battleships on patrol again practised firing on concealed guns
with aerial spotting.
H.M.S."Minerva" visited Dediagatch and was well received by
authorities.
3Oth March. Reconnaissance of coast of Gallipoli by Condr. Douglas completed,
instructions issued to all ships to make sketches whenever possible
of likely landing places from Camp Helles to Bulair.
Minesweepers operating inside straits covered by patrol battleship
who replied to enemys fire.
Work on nets to place across Dardanelles to catch floating mines
progressing, party working on them in old castle Tenedos.
31st March. Battleships on patrol covered operations of minesweepers and
engaged enemys batteries.
High wind seriously delayed reconnaissance by aircraft. Small
squadron being sent to Adramyti Gulf, ostensibly to cover a
close reconnaissance of the beach there, with a view to misleading
enemy as to our probable position of disembarkation.
Enemy aeroplane sighted in evening.
1st April Battleships and destroyers on patrol engaged enemys concealed
guns and covered minesweepers, enemy fired a/few shots only.
Signals observed being made from Cape Heles lighthouse.
2nd April. Minesweepers working inside Straits under fire from field guns -
No casualties to them or covering ships. Enemys aeroplane
attack "Albion", dropping two bombs without hitting. British
aircraft engaged in reconnaissance flights and attacked enemys
positions with bombs.
3rd April Minesweepers engaged inside straits, trawler No. 34. struck by
shrapnel in engine room, 3 of crew wounded, one subsequently
dying.
Cape Helles lighthouse was demolished by "Prince of Wales."
Battsships on patrol practising indirect fire with aeroplane
spotting.
4th April. "Ark Royal" at Smyrna; seaplane reported three torpedo boats
in harbour. Smyrna patrol re-inforced by one destroyer, now
consists of Dartmouth and two destroyers - ordered to reconnoître
Chesme with a view to destruction of W/T Station there.
Dartmouth shelled guns at Tres Tepe.
Seaplane attacked torpedo boats in Smyrna twice without success.
Battleships on patrol made several hits on concealed guns,
aeroplane spotting
Useful reconnaissance carried out by aireraft.
Enemy opened considerable fire on sweepers inside straits.
Trawler No. 92 received ak hit in the funnel."Colne" was holed on
water line abreat foremost funnel "Londons" A.I. 6 inch gun burst
while firing lyddite shell, guns crew complained of shock, the.
no injury to personnel.
 

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5th April. Strong northerly gale, operations suspended, sailing of "Inflexible"
for Malta postponed.
6th April Gale in morning, moderated sufficiently in afternoon to permit of
Aerial reconnaissance.
"Inflexible" conveyed by "Canopus" and "Talbot" left for Malta.
No movements of enemy's troops at Bulair.
7th April Battleships on patrol engaged with batteries inside straits -
aeroplane spotting.At night they opened fire at Kum Kale and
Saddul Bahr villages, setting them on fire, enemy reported as
billeting in these at night.
Minesweeping inside straits discontinued, it being considered
results did not justify risks to ships from enemy fire. During
the night destroyer patrol was engaged with Batteries on European
shore.
8th April From 31st March to 8th April the "Henry 1V. "was patrolling in Gulf
of Xoros with other ships but nothing of importance occurred, they
fired a few shells at certain Turkish works and Sketches were made
of all possible landing places.
Battleships on patrol engaged enemy's guns and destroyer patrol
was fired on.
"Swiftsure "and "Majestic" under command of Rear/Adml. Stuart
Nicholson. M.V.O. carried out reconnaissance of landing faculities
at Enos, using picket boats, a small body of enemy opened fire, but
were dispersed by ships guns with some loss.
We suffered no casualties.
Enemy's main magazine at Taifur Kem was shelled by"Lord Nelson"
result uncertain as sea was too rough to admit of seaplanes spotting.
9th April Battleships on patrol engaged with enemys batteries Aeroplane
spotting.
10th April Battleships on patrol succeeded in hitting three enemy's guns -
aeroplanes spotting. 

1. 

10th April. Battleships on patrol succeeded in hitting three
enemy guns, aeroplanes spotting ."MINERVA" at Smyrna
relieved "DARTMOUTH". Seaplane carried by "MINERVA"
was unable to reconnoître harbout owing to rough sea.
Destroyers fired on from both shores.
11th April. "AG^AMEMNON" carried out reconnaissance of various
places on north coast of Gulf of Xeros and fired on
several enemy positions. Air reconnaissance reported
no movements of troops in southern part of Gallipoli
Peninsula. Submarine officers inspected Dardanelles
from a destroyer and subsequently from an aeroplane.
Enemy showed some activity inside Straits, firing on
all ships that entered, without, however, scoring any
hits.
12th April. "MINERVA'S" seaplane reconnoitred Smyrna and reported
'three torpedo boats still in the harbour. "QUEEN 
ELIZABETH" carried out steam trials during which General
HAMILTON and a number of Army Officers inspected landing
places on coast of Gallipoli and at Bashika Bay. Troops
in Mudros constantly practising landing on beach by day
and night.
13th April. Destroyers actively engaged inside Straits. "TRIUMPH"
at night fired on searchlights without being able to hit
them. Flying impossible owing to weather conditions.
Staff of A. &.N.Z. Army Corps inspected position of their
landing. "AG^AMEMNON" proceeded to Dedeagatch to embark
Colonel NAPIER and Mr. FITZMAURICE; her reception was
most friendly. Captains of ships were informed
confidentially of the positions their ships would occupy
to cover the landing of the Army in order that they
might inspect the area they were to fire on, prior to
disembarkation. Agent supplied by the Army despatched
to Kos to enquire into alleged landing of arms and oil
at Budrum. Details for a raid on that place being
discussed.
14th April. Balloon kite tested in strong wind at Mudros with good
results. Ships on patrol engaged enemy's batteries on
night of 14th/15th; picket boats from "TRIUMPH" and
"MAJESTIC" with volunteer crews attacked Kephez mine
field with explosive creeps with a view to clearing
passage Straits for submarines. "SCORPION" covered
picket boats which picked up one cable and fired explosive
creep, returning without suffering any casualties although
one boat heavily fired on. Military Governor Tenedos
organising gangs of Greeks ^for service as beach parties after Army
is landed.
15th April. "TRIUMPH" entered Straits in afternoon and carried out
some experimental firing against trenches and wire
entanglements with military officers on board. During
practice she was struck four times sustaining slight
material damage and two men were wounded.' CANOPUS" at
Skyros Island ordered to organise force for raid on
Budrum using one battalion Royal Naval Division.n  "TALBOT"
reconnoitring in Gulf of Xeros sketching landing places.
Further trials with kite balloon at Mudros with satisfactory
results. Ship "MANICA" however not very suitable and
some alterations in her being carried out.
16th April.  "LORD NELSON" assisted by seaplane spotting again
bombarded Taifur Keui evidently hitting one magazine as a
large explosion was observed. Transport "MANITOU"
en route for Mudros was attacked east of Skyro Island by
Turkish torpedo boad "DEMIR HISSAR". Troops were given
8 minutes in which to abandon ship; three torpedoes were
then fired, all of which missed. Troops getting into
boats overcrowded them and two upset; many also jumped