Part 13

Chapter 133,205 wordsPublic domain

BOYS,—I cannot tell you how really sorry I am to be leaving “Anzac,” as I have to do on shifting over to Army Headquarters.

I have not, however, any intention of saying “Good-bye” to anyone, for I trust it is by no means “Good-bye,” as I still hope and intend to see as much of all my old friends in the Army Corps as I possibly can do.

Nor am I going to express my thanks to officers and men, even if I could find words to do so. I feel it would only be presumption on my part, for it is for the British Empire to do that; and I well know it will do so.

My one wish is to be able to finish this war alongside of all my old comrades of “Anzac”; having begun it together close on a year ago now in Egypt, I sincerely trust that many of us may be spared to see it through together, when the time comes to make an end of our German enemies, though that day may be yet far distant.

W. R. BIRDWOOD, Lieutenant-General, Commanding Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

VI. THE EVACUATION OF ANZAC

SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, _December 21, 1915_.

The Commander-in-Chief desires to express to all ranks in the Dardanelles Army his unreserved appreciation of the way in which the recent operations, ending in the evacuation of the “Anzac” and “Suvla” positions, have been carried to an issue successful beyond his hopes. The arrangements made for withdrawal, and for keeping the enemy in ignorance of the operation which was taking place, could not have been improved. The General Officer Commanding Dardanelles Army, and the General Officers Commanding the Australian and New Zealand and 9th Army Corps, may pride themselves on an achievement without parallel in the annals of war. The Army and Corps Staffs, Divisional and subordinate Commanders and their Staffs, and the Naval and Military Beach Staffs, proved themselves more than equal to the most difficult task which could have been thrown upon them. Regimental officers, non-commissioned officers and men carried out, without a hitch, the most trying operation which soldiers can be called upon to undertake—a withdrawal in the face of the enemy—in a manner reflecting the highest credit on the discipline and soldierly qualities of the troops.

It is no exaggeration to call this achievement one without parallel. To disengage and to withdraw from a bold and active enemy is the most difficult of all military operations; and in this case the withdrawal was effected by surprise, with the opposing forces at close grips—in many cases within a few yards of each other. Such an operation, when succeeded by a re-embarkation from an open beach, is one for which military history contains no precedent.

During the past months the troops of Great Britain and Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, Newfoundland and India fighting side by side, have invariably proved their superiority over the enemy, have contained the best fighting troops in the Ottoman Army in their front, and have prevented the Germans from employing their Turkish allies against us elsewhere.

No soldier relishes undertaking a withdrawal from before the enemy. It is hard to leave behind the graves of good comrades, and to relinquish positions so hardly won and so gallantly maintained as those we have left. But all ranks in the Dardanelles Army will realise that in this matter they were but carrying out the orders of His Majesty’s Government, so that they might in due course be more usefully employed in fighting elsewhere for their King, their Country, and the Empire.

There is only one consideration—what is best for the furtherance of the common cause. In that spirit the withdrawal was carried out, and in that spirit the Australian and New Zealand and the 9th Army Corps have proved, and will continue to prove, themselves second to none as soldiers of the Empire.

A. LYNDEN BELL, Major-General, Chief of the General Staff, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

VII.

THE FOLLOWING TELEGRAMS ARE PUBLISHED FOR INFORMATION:

_December 20, 1915._

1. FROM HIS MAJESTY THE KING.

It gives me the greatest satisfaction to hear of the successful evacuation of “Suvla” and “Anzac” without loss of troops or guns. Please convey to General Birdwood and those under his command my congratulations upon the able manner in which they have carried out so difficult an operation.

GEORGE, R.I.

_December 21, 1915._

2. TO HIS MAJESTY THE KING.

I have communicated your Majesty’s gracious message to General Birdwood and the Dardanelles Army. In their behalf and my own I beg to give expression to the deep gratification felt by all ranks at your Majesty’s encouraging words of congratulation. The troops are only inspired by a desire to be employed again as soon as possible wherever their services may be used to best advantage against your Majesty’s enemies.

SIR CHARLES MONRO, Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

_December 21, 1915._

3. FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR.

His Majesty’s Government received your news with the greatest pleasure and wish immediately to express to you and all under your command their high appreciation of the excellence of the arrangements for the withdrawal from “Anzac” and “Suvla,” and their warm admiration for the conduct of the troops in carrying out the most difficult operation of war. They appreciate as fully the effective help which Admiral Wemyss and the Navy as well as General Birdwood and the Corps and other commanders afforded you. The thanks of the Government for this fine achievement are due to you and to all concerned, and I wish also to congratulate you personally.

FOUR DESIGNS FOR “THE ANZAC MAGAZINE” COVER

CORRESPONDENCE

DEAR MR. EDITOR,—Thinking that perhaps a little news about a hitherto unheard of department of the army (i.e. a Field Ambulance) might interest you, I have set down (having previously obtained the kind permission of the great-grandchildren of the justly celebrated Mr. Euclid, late of these parts, deceased) such axioms as will be of use and guidance to those requiring to know the habits of a Field Ambulance.

Ax. 1.—A Field Ambulance shall be an irregular conglomeration of humanity and other animals, which shall never under any circumstances conform to any fixed order or condition.

Ax. 2.—Whenever possible, the number of N.C.O.’s in a Field Ambulance shall exceed the number of men by 50 per cent., in order that the said N.C.O.’s may have a twenty-four hours’ rest when on duty, supervising fatigues, etc. (This Axiom is taken from the detailed account of Corps Orders made by William the Conqueror in the year 1066.)

Ax. 3.—A Field Ambulance shall never under any circumstances move off on the first instance, but all necessary fatigue for the moving shall be fully indulged. Only under extreme circumstances may it move on the second instance. (Vide AAZQP, Para. 14490053.)

Ax. 4.—All batmen in a Field Ambulance shall be equal to anything.

Ax. 5.—If at any time a Field Ambulance should be lost, the finder will, provided he doesn’t require it for a war curio, immediately place it in the most isolated place available, and forget it, because several others are trying to do the same.

—Yours truly,

NOBBY, Actg. D.A.L.C. & P.O.

TO ABDUL MUSTAFA MAHOMET, BIRD TRENCHES (OR NEIGHBOURING GREEN)

_From Holly Spur, Suicide Valley, Anzac. Decem., 1915._

DEAR ABDUL,—I’m scribbling this letter in the trench with my back to the wall, and I’ve heaps of good news that I’d better get down while I think of it all. You’ve been so abnormally quiet—say, Abdul, has something gone wrong? Not a charge or a sign of a riot, not for ever and ever so long. They tell me you’re sick of campaigning, that you’d aim in your kit if you could; that your courage and patience are waning, and the prospects ain’t looking too good. Are you counting your hopes of returning to that little home there in the wood, where there’s peace, and a good fire burning, and the rations are plenty and good?

It’s near Christmas, you know—that’s the reason we’ve buried our growls for a while; for you couldn’t be sad in the season when everyone’s wearing a smile. But, of course, I forgot you’re not sharing the joy that we Christians know, and I guess you’re not giving or caring a damn for the whole bally show.

I’ll chance that it gives you the “willies”—if you’ve heard, it won’t hurt to repeat—that the cards and the boys’ Christmas billies[26] are here, and no kid, they’re a treat. Plum duff for the boys who’ve been fighting on the biscuit and beef (army store); I tell you we don’t need inviting to back in our carts for some more. Gee, the chocolate and cake are delicious, and there’s sweets and smokes in my pail, and a card with the sender’s best wishes—I’m sending my thanks per this mail. Folks who reckon that loving is living, whose hearts are as big as their land, whose happiness centres in giving—that’s _our_ folks and _their_ old-fashioned stand.

Well, Abdul, I’ll finish this trifle, for my thoughts are beginning to drift, and the sergeant has passed me my rifle, and it’s time I took over my shift. I’m concluding this note with a moral—take a tip from a bloke in the know—pick your men when you’re picking a quarrel.—Yours truly,

AUSTRALIA JOE.

P.S.—By the way, they’ve been stating that you’re scared to come out any more; don’t forget there’s a welcome here waiting, a warm one, you bet; au revoir.

Corpl. A. V. MCCANN, “C” Squadron, 4th A.L.H. Regt.

FOOTNOTES:

[26] The “billy” is a tin can something like what is known in England as a milk can, in which the Australian of the bush boils his water and makes his tea. A billy packed with various good things was being sent to each Australian soldier for Christmas.

ANZAC FASHIONS. SUMMER

By Bom^{_de_} A. H. SCOTT 4^{TH} BATTERY. F.A.

ANZAC FASHIONS. WINTER

By Bdr. A. H. Scott. 4^{th} Battery

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

_By our Inquiry Office Orderly, Pte. T. COLLES, 3rd L.H.F.A._

SNIDGER.—We quite agree with you that this is a soldiers’ journal rather than a Sunday School prize book. Nevertheless, the chaplain-editor feels we must decline the limerick series you submitted us. Our head printer is a married man with a growing family, and sternly refuses to handle your matter. So that settles it.

ANXIOUS.—Your cold feet complaint must not necessarily be a chronic affliction. Many chaps have been permanently cured by a little vigorous pedestrian exercise: such as vaulting the parapet and bogging into a dinkum bayonet charge. So cheer up! It will go away of its own accord once you get “warmed up to it.”

COMIC-CUTS.—Sorry all the generals you have so far seen do not come up to your humorous expectations. When you _do_ meet the general of whom you approve, we should advise you just to drop him a line and let him know. It will warm the poor old fellow up.

HUNGRY ALWAYS.—Yes, soft—or light—diet is absolutely necessary in treatment for dysentery or gastritis. If you think you know better than the doctor, experiment with green quinces and lemonade.... Let’s know how you get on.

CHAPLAIN OF THE —TH.—Dear kind-hearted old chap! Haven’t you quite enough to do here without worrying your head over the progress of war-relief funds in Australia? Anyhow, it may please you to know that it is proposed to impose a special fine for every time the word “blanky” is used by men or officers; the proceeds to go to the various funds. So you need have no fear of the said funds not reaching the million £ mark in quite a short time now.

SEEDEE BOT.—You can’t expect us to diagnose your complaint if you don’t make your symptoms clear. But if you feel that a torchlight procession is going on in your interior, you have probably exposed yourself too suddenly to an attack of Cambridge sausages and tinned peaches. Try a change of diet, say, whisky and Schweppes with steak and kidney pudding.

UNDIGNIFIED.—We sympathise with you deeply in your suffering from the effects of a shrapnel pellet. Naturally, every man on returning to his country would be proud to display to his admiring relatives and friends those honourable scars received on active service. You had bad luck, but at the same time you should not have tried the ostrich act when the shell burst.

PARCEL POST.—You say you wouldn’t mind an occasional case of eat-and-drinkables in the parcel as well as the socks and shirts and box of liquorice powders. They will all be useful, but anyway, think of your poor flurried aunts and sisters at home, fighting their way with knitting-needles—wild-eyed and tousle-haired—through a deadly maze of skein-wool entanglements! It’s horrible! We’re better off where _we_ are.

ADJUTANT.—Yes, it’s a pity that one of your men—such a seasoned veteran and a capable and obedient soldier, too—should have such kleptomaniacal tendencies. But we wouldn’t advise you to have him sent back. Make him your batman, instead.... Why, the man was born for the position!

FUZZY.—Your suggestions will be handed on to the proper quarters. The only objection to the suggested cinema show at Reserve Gully might be that the boys in the firing trenches would make it too hot “sneakin’ off to the pitchers” every night.... Afraid you’ve no hope of seeing a pub built over the road, opposite William’s Pier.... Yes, it’s possible that our motor wagons might run penny section moonlight trips to Salt Lake and back to Anzac. But we fear that there is no hope of a _palais-de-danse_ there.