The Road to Chunuk Bair » 2nd Reinforcements

Friday 26th February 1915

lynley — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:00:11 +0000

An early start was made with packing up. As cooking utensils were required at 7.30 a.m. breakfast also had to be an early affair. The Company moved off at a quarter to nine arriving at Campimento Station about nine oclock. After a wait of 2 hours we entrained about 11 oclock. The other companies Ruahine and Hawkes Bay getting away at 9.30. We arrived at Helmieh Platform at 5.30 and were soon marching back to our old quarters at Zeitoun. Our tents were ready when we reached Camp and our reinforcements helped us with our baggage. The transport of the Australian Infantry Brigade came down to the station and soon shifted our kits and baggage into camp for us.

Thursday 25th February 1915

lynley — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:00:05 +0000

Company Parade 7.15 a.m. Proceed to Range for Field firing. Carried out 4 practices by Platoons. So far No. 3 appear to have done best. Our orders came out about midday for our move tomorrow. It was a frightfully hot day. Our tents were packed up ready to go this morning so we had no shelter at midday while tonight we bivouac. It is glorious moonlight. We are all keen to see the reinforcements at Zeitoun and no doubt they are keen to see us. The night passed quietly.

Monday 25th January 1915

lynley — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:00:02 +0000

Day spent in repitching camp and erecting extra tents for the reinforcements. A Platoon from each Company engaged in erecting Australian Regiment’s tents at Heliopolis Aerodrome. About 6 p.m. word came through that the Turks were approaching the canal and we would be making an early move. Great excitement among the men who were delighted with the prospects of a move. At 8 p.m. definite orders received to move at 7 a.m. Night spent in packing.