The Road to Chunuk Bair » Indian Troops

Tuesday 9th February 1915

lynley — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:00:35 +0000

Another quiet day. A train load of Indian sick & wounded arrived at the docks to go on board a hospital ship for return to India. We received word that General Melliss V.C. commanding our section of the Canal Defence would inspect us tomorrow. Some three more prisoners were bought in by the Ghurkas. They were Arabs very poorly armed and clothed and a poor quality of fighting men. We had a visit from the Brigade Major & Staff Capt 30^th Brig. with whom we are working.

Wednesday 27th January 1915

lynley — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:00:08 +0000

There was no reveille this morning. We were all awakened very early 4 a.m. by heavy firing from the Canal about a mile to our front followed by gun fire. Men in the bivouac stood to arms and a platoon was sent out to get touch with Otago Battalion on our right. The firing continued intermittently for quite an hour. Reveille was timed for 5.30. We had hot tea and Bully beef for breakfast and paraded at 9 a.m. whence we marched to the trenches on the West Bank of the Canal. Our section of the line we found in occupation of the 2^nd Battalion 7^th Ghurka Rifles. We were delighted to find ourselves in touch with another 7^th. They moved about 800 yards up occupying ground to our right. We found some 400 yards of trench all ready prepared along our section of the defence, which merely required a little deepening being built for Ghurkas. We were all immensely taken with the Ghurkas. They are compact little soldiers and one would feel delighted to have a company of them. All is quiet (11pm) along our front so far. A strong post guards the position on the Eastern Bank of the Canal in front of our position. It was the position attacked last night by the enemy and they expect further trouble tonight. Our Regiment has about 4 miles of front. We have 2000 yards. There are strong posts held by Indian troops in our front on enemy’s side of Canal. Being the nearest troops to the post on either side we shall soon know if anything is doing.

Monday 30th November 1914

lynley — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 23:00:08 +0000

A much cooler day. Wind cold. Everybody putting on winter clothes. Arrived Suez at 5 p.m. Received our orders to disembark at Alexandria. Started up the Canal at 7 p.m. A glorious sunset. First view of the Desert. Passed numerous posts manned by Indian troops. Had to anchor during night for fog. Armed guard roused at 11 p.m. in case of sniping. Staff officers depart for Cairo.