Charles E W Bean, Diaries, AWM38 3DRL 606/28/1 - 1915 - Part 1

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open for review
Accession number:
RCDIG1066720
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

AWM3S Official History, 1974-18 War: Records of C E W Bean, Official Historian. Diaries and Notebooks Hem number: 3DR1606/2817 Title: Notebook, 1975 includes references to the 4th and 17th Battalions, New Zealand Infantry Brigade, New Zealand and Australian Division, Helles and Baby 700. AWMISS-3DRLCO6/281
RECIMENTAL RECRV Mnin in T MTt T T FTMTIITI AI A t t t es e ti ee 3DPL 606 ITEM 28 Bur38 DIARIES AND NOTES OF C. E. W. BEAN CONCERNING THE WAR OF 1914 -1918 THE use of these diaries and notes is subject to conditions laid down in the terms of gift to the Australian War Memorial. But, apart from those terms, I wish the following circumstances and considerations to be brought to the notice of every reader and writer who may use them. These writings represent only what at the moment of making them I believed to be true. The diaries were jotted down almost daily with the object of recording what was then in the writer's mind. Often he wrote them when very tired and half asleep; also, not infrequently, what he believed to be true was not so — but it does not follow that he always discovered this, or remembered to correct the mistakes when discevered. Indeed, he could not always remember that he had written them. These records should, therefore, be used with great caution, as relating only what their author, at the time of writing, believed. Further, he cannot, of course, vouch for the accuracy of statements made to him by others and here recorded. But he did try to ensure such accuracy by consuiting, as far as possible, those who had seen or otherwise taken part in the events. The constant falsity of second-hand evidence (on which a large proportion of war stories are founded) was impressed upon him by the second or third day of the Gallipoli campaign, notwithstanding that those who passed on such stories usually themselves believed them to be true. All second-hand evidence herein should be read with this in mind. C. E. W. BEAN. 16 Sept, 1946. AUSTRALIAN WIER MEMGSIRL EEMLLLEEEMEESSSSSTS WEEEEEEEEEEEEALSAILACEELCEEMCEMKLLEMEEAMAML TC
a of it would permit, Lient WesKbrook charge of the burial M t the body on his attenti by some of his men, though was present when he nande hers Rec o ady nt Grindr lon Regimental H some th Records (II see then gard 11 Br. (wiel K. Tepe.) 10 By. by axk 140 n w in at will which
General Hrospital. Geerit Cavro 9.15 Nens Capt. C. W. Bean Official Conespondent Com Aushalean Imp Forces. A few days ago whilst reading an Aushalian paper Inoticed an article written by you, in which you stated that after making deligent Asquirie you only founds one case of muplation by the Tarks of killed or wounded soldis, and that wis at the As you are apparently looking closely Buthern Zone (Belleg. into this matter I would like to direct your attention to he case of Sergeant E.R. Larkin. I Battalio The facts is I know them are as follows: On Wednesday 28th April Smet the 1 B on the beach and I asked several Dergh if Larken was with them. They informed me that he was killed on the afternoon of the 25, and added that they had sen his body + it was mutilated during Following the Lurks attack on our position, the subsequent annutied I heard that the remains of Sergt. Larkin were bying between the opposing hincher. I went over & examined &I am the body decidedly of the opinion that a cross as large
had been cut deeply in as the size of it would permt, 6 L. Battal of the Stomach. Lieut Wes Kbrook parky from the Br also who had charge of che burial being drown to the mutilation newed the body on his attention not in my presence, but by some of his men, though Twas present when he handed in Tarkins belongings and he agreeds with me to the Br Head Quarters muplated. that the body had been pent Wessbrook was away ill when I left Anzac may have Since returned of August but on the C bi my statement, and perhape He will I feel sue very Bn some of the Sergh of long standing in the could also givel you some information bearing or this matter I quik agree with your Statement that on the whole the Laks have played the game, but I mention this matter then king that if you are collecting piefer to have yor would information in this regard possible it as complete a fient H. Brown 2 P8 D.Ca. F.S.D
a recin tald T tanent Sir So. CR.C. BrSw by th nectation for ofian wf formerly of 2nt Batr) A J.B weX The persons so reconyn M S.B. Dr. Batn. A.J. 1413. Private St Carpenn S.T. S.B. S Batn A.J. 60y 28 April 1915 Ca about 100/ on the moining St wesbroot CGod. Batte some to corpented & mysely & stid He had observed now Cappssel worao cigarls for aeinfence notins the man, wtt on the benent Frekeant nerr sone bosts in th anctios o no weretork asked confester t se Hut to make an endroo get this mon in t Gon Copences & J. immeitt started on the as we approacke our streecher we subjecut to nactyne go the 14 ared to we other sum mhss up on all our 4 men able t pescne at or theis ariniest ir 1
nour. 4r when we has buing nor to the dresing stanon (2.2 m Some De of the N.E.W. were out with an imp stretch. & pickes vised yt a 5th mA Then were msking very E I west y. B.E.M poot progress aid with an ordragly finsh this fipsh & lan trip Se. Col. Sepless 6Conenury, Reg 2 N.C. took our atmes & ca Se, did so Sot prpeg reconneadntion. I heb cove tme after those a we CCarpenn m for his port in 2 R.H.R. reaived the 2 abes rescut business on a tate which but it was the 546 when I Hanss fio Dpnitety St. Col. Brown relisquishe onmond of Ban 2 St Cl Scobie look Charge To Col. Brown informes us, he was puttng in afresard comnentte The recommedtation wh supposted by restements foo St. Herass C2M Te Col. Pepoless in an intrvile which Lo. Col. 4I wick? We Set
Lo our. NAn ho t onfor had wy te a and by him. is pat in the his failins reaoonfor by menootion. beleeved to be so be faces a nowlege My h ordr K belief Rober ankend n Batta A. Bay at (1413)3 t
madler (From my cease) Ey. 1Bn. Franes Coy. (C.) probably 1 Durch light wh thought wo. K.T. [) Chanah, maclagan Saw Turk on top ofs Platian. Isane od look at t chap lowards c0 turne tcame in p Hell Spit- (a Areburon twing t from lan 200 or 300 yos NR) Pichatboats funnel several Ames flared & whole tow I) Commar. Dix Ws commande Dix (a v. lond voice sdi All the Colo the (Tot Dam'd fools have taken us a mile too far north There we a flare on Hell Spit 2003 before 1st Shot. Dudsilence. Then heave saw T on top & sd look at t of Mackjan tark called – Then bang one shot pinged away overhead into wated. Then 3or 4. Then M.9. on Ari Burnie. Aur. gun fisherman's that way. men running across beach were fixing bagonets. Packs were thrown off on beach under cover of cliff. Wt dedat wait 6 clarge mags. Hell spit ws firmy was leave ron up hill some of our own oen on beach whre fin at our own men running up bill. Major Robertson of 91 is down to stap it? leave us a Annear, MacDonald when three ts an 2s on tox of Macragans I stood up & fired- Annear we k by 2 Shots, & M Donald bit thoo shoulder- but those Turks were bayoneted by and men, who were coming up from right. Dae 225pm they were swept by Rifle & m. g feris in a To 71 NYM a sa psB more 224 S 52 r t
t reashed top saw tents on patk by to calley & twes were firing fom Sphink - one man. we palled in cleft biht Sphi Tored up on top & Col. T. orderd round forward foce of seand to dis pere Dug in & whole afternoon truck fired on by shrap. & Snypers on Walkers & Sphenx Somie of whom 36 we t early on Monday Must have ben gettng in thso 16 Popes jully We had messages to cease fire from opp. side of Shrap. Gully. Mray. Mond morning moved to Courtneys (9 acrows) Mond. Afternoon we saw few 2o; the attack seemed to me to be If to right near 10 Bn. (tachch ? Fnd just at back of as) Pr Tes. morning C. Coy +a few details (incl. Col. Tobuston) ws ordered to Popes. Abt 11 am. Tarks came in small nubibers down Seaward Slope of Baby 700. By abt. 2 p.m. they Were coming on frge numbers over Baby 700 & Battleshp Hill. Abb Epm. Canopes put 2shots into our is on Popes Hill & then gof range. A. Eliz, Canoo by t Danyer 225pm they were swept by Rif & m.g firis ina ToTI NSM n pad 4B fnor T 44 224 8r. 529 fart tn

AWM38
Official History,
1914-18 War: Records of C E W Bean,
Official Historian.

Diaries and Notebooks

Item number: 3DRL606/28/1

Title: Notebook, 1915
includes references to the 4th and 11th
Battalions, New Zealand Infantry Brigade, New
Zealand and Australian Division, Helles and
Baby 700.

AWM38-3DRL606/28/1
 

 

 

RECIMENTAL RECORDS IV

Original DIARY NO. 28
AWM38 3DRL 606 ITEM 28 [1]
DIARIES AND NOTES OF C. E. W. BEAN
CONCERNING THE WAR OF 1914 -1918

THE use of these diaries and notes is subject to conditions laid down in the terms
of gift to the Australian War Memorial. But, apart from those terms, I wish the
following circumstances and considerations to be brought to the notice of every
reader and writer who may use them.
These writings represent only what at the moment of making them I believed to be
true. The diaries were jotted down almost daily with the object of recording what
was then in the writer's mind. Often he wrote them when very tired and half asleep;
also, not infrequently, what he believed to be true was not so — but it does not
follow that he always discovered this, or remembered to correct the mistakes when
discovered. Indeed, he could not always remember that he had written them.
These records should, therefore, be used with great caution, as relating only what
their author, at the time of writing, believed. Further, he cannot, of course, vouch
for the accuracy of statements made to him by others and here recorded. But he
did try to ensure such accuracy by consulting, as far as possible, those who had
seen or otherwise taken part in the events. The constant falsity of second-hand
evidence (on which a large proportion of war stories are founded) was impressed
upon him by the second or third day of the Gallipoli campaign, notwithstanding that
those who passed on such stories usually themselves believed them to be true. All
second-hand evidence herein should be read with this in mind.
16 Sept., 1946. C. E. W. BEAN.
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
ACCESS STATUS
OPEN
 

 

 

Rec. 28
Regimental
Records (IV)
——
11 Bn. (incl K. Tepe.)
10 Bn.
 

 

 


No 2General Hospital.
Gezerih, Cairo
1. 9. 15
——
Memo/
Capt. C. W. Bean
Official Correspondent
Com Australian Imp Forces.
——
A few days ago whilst reading an
Australian paper I noticed an article written by you, in
which you stated that after making diligent Inquiries
you only found one case of mutilation by the Turks
of killed or wounded Soldiers, and that was at the
Southern Zone (Helles.) As you are apparently looking closely
into this matter I would like to direct your attention
to the case of Sergeant E.K. Larkin. 1st Battalion
The facts as I know them are as follows:- On Wednesday
28th April I met the 1st Bn on the beach and I asked
several Sergts. if Larkin was with them. They informed
me that he was killed on the afternoon of the 25th, and
added that they had seen his body & it was mutilated
Following the Turks attack on our position, ^during the subsequent
armistice I heard that the remains of Sergt. Larkin were
lying between the opposing trenches. I went over & examined
the body ^& I am decidedly of the opinion that a cross as large
 

 

 

as the size of it would permit, had been cut deeply in
Stomach. Lieut Westbrook xxx of the 2nd Battali
who had charge of the burial party from the Bn also
viewed the body on his attention being drawn to the mutilation
by some of his men, though not in my presence, but I
was present when he handed in Larkin's belongings
to the Bn Head Quarters and he agreed with me
that the body had been mutilated.
Lieut Westbrook was away ill when I left Anzac
on the 6th of August but may have since returned.
He will I feel sure verify my statement, and perhaps
some of the Sergts of long standing in the 1st Bn
could also give you some information bearing on this matter.
I quite agree with your statement that on the
whole the Turks have played the game, but I
mention this matter thinking that if you are collecting
information in this regard you would prefer to have
it as complete as possible.

H.P. Brown Lieut.
D.Coy 2nd Bn
A.I.F.
 

 

 

An account of the incidents referred to in a recommendation
for recognition made by the late Lt Col E Brown
(formerly of 2nd Battn) A I F

The persons so recommended were
1413 Private Roberts E.A. S.B. 2nd Battn. A.I.F.
607  "            Carpenter S.F. S.B. 2nd Battn A.I.F.
—————————
on the morning of 26 April 1915 (at about 10 o/c)
Lt Westbrook (2nd Battn) came to Carpenter & myself &
said:- He had observed a man (apparently wounded)
making signals for assistance. The man was ly

^on the beach & near some boats in the direction of Fishermans
Hut. = Mr Westbrook asked Carpenter & self
to make an endeavour to get this man in
Carpenter & I. immediately started on the trip. having
our stretcher with us. As we approached
the boats (referred to) we ^were subjected to machine gun
& other fire. To sum matters up we were
able to rescue not one but 4 men on all our
trips the Turks showed their animosity.
1

 

 when we had brought in our 4th man to the
dressing station (No 2 M C). Some The of the N.Z. men
went out with an improvised stretcher & picked
up a 5th man They were making very
poor progress. Carpenter & I went to N.Z. men's
aid with an ordinary ^stretcher finished this fifth & last
trip.

-----
Lt. Col. Pearless (Canterbury Regt) N.Z M.C
took our names & said he did so for purpose of
recommendation.
We (Carpenter & I) heard some time after that a
N.Z. man received the D.C.M. for his part in
this rescue business. On a date which
I cannot fix definitely but it was the date when
Lt. Col. Brown relinquished command of Battn &
Lt Col Scobie look charge Lt Col. Brown informed
us, he was putting in the aforesaid recommendation
The recommendation was supported by statements
from Lt. Herrod (2nd Battn) & Lt Col. Pearless
In an interview which we had with 9 Lt Col ∨Pearless
 

 

 

he informed us that our names had been mislaid
by him. This was Lt Col Pearless'
reason for his failing to put in the
recommendation.
———
The above facts are believed to be in
order to the best of my knowledge &
belief
E Arthur Roberts
Private (1413) 2nd Battn A I F
 

 

 

(From Maj. Leane)
Day. 11 Bn. Leane's Coy. (C.)
[[?Second]] search light wh thought ws. K.T. (probably Chanak)
Saw Turk on top of Plugges ∧Maclagans Plateau. Leane
sd look at tt chap.
(Came in twds ^towards Hell Spit - turned N. 200
yds from land ^& went 200 or 300 yds N ^to Ari burnu Picket boats
funnel several times flared x
Commdr. Dix ws commanding whole tow (?)
& went Dix (w v. loud voice sd: "tell the Col. the (Johnston)
Dam'd fools have taken us a mile too far North"
———
There ws a flare on Hell Spit 2 or 3 [shorthand]
before 1st Shot. Dead silence.
Then Leane saw T. on top ∨of Maclagans & sd "Look at tt".
Turk called – Then bang one shot
pinged away overhead into water.
Then 3 or 4. Then m.g. on Ari Burnu.
Anr. gun fisherman's Hut way.
Men running across beach were fixing
bayonets. Packs were thrown off on beach
under cover of cliff.
11th didnt wait to change mags.
Hell spit ws firing & as Leane ran up
hill some of our own men on beach were
firing at our own men running up hill -
Major Robertson of 9th ws down to stop it.
Leane ws w Annear, MacDonald
when three Ts in [shorthand = trench] on top of Maclagans
[shorthand] stood up & fired- Annear ws k by 2
shots, & M'Donald hit thro shoulder -
but those Turks were bayoneted by
our men, who were coming up from right.
 

 

When top reached top saw ^5 tents on path
[[?]]ding to valley & Turks were firing from
Sphinx - one man ws killed in cleft
behind Sphinx.
Formed up on top & Col. J. ordered
Leane to dig [shorthand = trench] round forward face of
trench. (here.)
[Diagram]
Dug in & whole afternoon
fired on by shrap. &
snipers on Walkers &
Sphinx Some of whom
we k. early on Monday
(Must have bn gettng in thro
Popes Gully)
'We had messages to cease fire
from opp. side of Shrap. Gully.

Monday: Mond. Morning moved to
Courtneys (9. across).
———
Mond. afternoon we saw few [shorthand]; the
attack seemed to me to be [shorthand] to right near
10 Bn. (."French & Ind ^Indians were just at back of Turks")
———
Tuesday: On Tues. morning C. Coy & a few
details (incl. Col. Johnston) ws
ordered to Popes.
Abt 11 a.m. Turks came in small
numbers down seaward slope of
Baby 700. By abt. 2 p.m. they
were coming in large numbers
over Baby 700 & Battleship Hill.
Abt 2p.m. Canopus put 2 shots
into our [shorthand = trench] on Popes Hill &
then got range. big Q. Eliz, Canopus
 

 

 

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