Charles E W Bean, Diaries, AWM38 3DRL 606/267/1 - 1914 - 1915 - Part 9

12.
FORTS REFERRED TO IN PREVIOUS VOLUME ONLY BY NUMBER HEREWITH IDENTIFIED:

DATE OF COMMENCING OPERATIONS - 1914/I915.
V/A Eastern Mediterranean to Admiralty.
Begins "A meeting of all principal officers today, 19th, decided
that operations will commence on Friday 23rd April weather permitting.
Remainder of transports ordered to leave Egypt at once. Request
following be sent to Admiral Ebergardt :- Expect to commence operations
morning 23rd April. Request you will coordinate your actions
accordingly. # Ends.
HOWITZERS FOR USE ON LAND - 19/4/1915.
Admiralty to V/A Eastern(Mediterranean.
Begins "G.O.C. states you have placed at his disposal five 6"
howitzers for use on land and he requires 5 officers 124 rank and file
to work them. Admiralty approve personnel being supplied temporarily
to meet this emergency from Marine Detachments from "INFLEXIBLE", "OCEAN;
"IRRESISTIBLE"; R.M.A. being used as far as available until military
 

13.
military details can be sent out by War Office." Ends.
LOSS OF E15. 20/4/1915.
V/A Eastern Mediterranean to Admiralty.
Begins " The apparent determination of the enemy to salve
submarine E15 (wrecked on the morning of 16th near Kephez Point
while attempting passage of Straits) caused me considerable
concern. An aeroplane reported a tug alongside apparently
pumping and from her position and various reports she appears
be intact and possibly serviceable. "TRIUMPH" and "MAJESTIC"
failed to hit her yesterday afternoon, 18th. During the night
picket boat of "TRIUMPH"- Lieut.-Commander Eric ROBINSON and
Midshipman John WOOLLEY of "VENGEANCE" - the former in command
of expedition and Lieut. Arthur Brooke WEBB, R.N.R., and picket
boat of "MAJESTIC" - Lieut. Claude GODWIN - equipped with 14"
torpedoes manned by volunteer crews attacked Submarine E15 which
was within a few hundred yards of Fort No.8 and commanded by a
number of smaller guns at short range. Four torpedoes were fired
of which one from picket boat of "MAJESTIC" struck E15. The
boats were subjected to a ^ very heavy fire estimated by "TRIUMPH" at
over 200 rounds. "MAJESTIC" picket boat was holed and abandoned 
in a sinking condition, crew being saved by "TRUMPH" picket boat.
The only casualty was one man who died of wounds before arrival
ship. I selected Lieut.-Commander ROBINSON for the command of
this dangerous enterprise because he had displayed conspicuous
gallantry on 26th February and proved himself during many attacks
on the mine field an officer of great determination. His action
on 26th February which I personally witnessed was worth the
highest xxxxxxx honours. I submit he may be, if you consider it
advisable, promoted to Commander. This morning B6 reconnoitred
the wreck and reported E15 heeled over on starboard side conning
tower probably resting on bottom. I am satisfied she cannot be made
use of or got off by the enemy. "VENGEANCE" reports seeing a tug
capsize and sink near to E15 yesterday while B6 was attacking but
Commanding Officer B6 has since reported no explosion at all
occurred when he fired. Cause of loss of tug unknown.
In today's reconnaissance B6 was caught in strong currents and
swept inshore within 100 yards of E15 and narrowly escaped
destruction by gun fire. Lieut.-Commander C.G.BRODIE who was
passenger in aeroplane yesterday and in B6 today speaks very highly
of Lieut. MacARTHUR'S coolness and skill in handling and the
admirable behaviour of crew under very trying and dangerous
conditions. B6 was undamaged. B11 also reported current
abnormally strong. I do not anticipate despatch of E14 until it
slacks. Lieut. PALMER, R.N.V.R., late Consul at Chanak volunteered
for service in E15 in order to assist with his local knowledge.
He has shared fate of crew which is uncertain. I much regret
losing his services." Ends.
On 22/4/1915 Sir Ian HAMILTON telegraphed War Office that attack
which had been arranged for 24th, had to be delayed 24 hours owing
to bad weather.
On 23/4/1915 Earl KITCHENER sent his best wishes for success of
Fleet, General D'AMADE and French troops and General Sir Ian
HAMILTON and his troops.
MOVEMENTS OF SHIPS - 23/4/1915.
Arrivals 22nd Mudros :- Hospital Ship "GASCON", 6 trawlers
with 4 lighters.
On 23/4/1915 V/A Eastern Mediterranean reported to Admiralty
"Weather improved sufficiently for transports, tugs and lighters
to leave Mudros for their preliminary rendezvous. Attack commences
before dawn 25th. Submarine A.E.2 attempts passage of Dardanelles
at dawn 24th."
Arrivals Mudros 23rd. Tug "BLACKCOCK" "DANUBE" 'REVENGFR".
each with 2 lighters.