Antill war diary, 1915-1916 / John Macquarie Antill - Page 54

[Page 54]

War Diary
1915 1st Dec.
Rhododendron Spur – G.O.C. called and discussed thinning line of defence. Meeting of C.Os. after and explained the method to be adopted. i.e. by holding fire trench with outpost groups, men in supports – and pushing out strong night patrols in Dere to prevent surprise.
Lt. Grant to Mudros vice Capt. Kidd (invalided) to command Bde. rest details – Fired Sniper's Nest with 69th Battery – results fair – Rev. Goodman joined – C of Inquiry on stolen rum – Lt. Col Nicholas president. F.G. Courtmartialled for drunkenness – to sit to-morrow. Major Aldennan president. Snow disappearing. Lt. Mckellar reported to 10th L.H. – two working parties of one Officer and 50 others to make road near beach for mules –

2nd Dec.
Major Todd D.S.O. returned to duty – F.G.C.M. [Field General Court Martial] sitting – usual strafing from Chunuk Bair on our mules – Sanders back from Mudros canteen stores – Capt. Bayley 9th L.H. to Imbros re canteen S.

3rd Dec.
G.O.C. Army Corps and G.O.C. Divn. inspected Area and trenches – all very good: owing to loss of barges in late heavy weather reduction in some rations: Informed by G.O.C. that 250 of the 9th A. Corps were drowned and some 6,000 evacuated sick, result of snow – This in about a week – Special instructions issued re precautions against cold –

4th Dec.
Major Todd took over Comd. of 10th L.H. vice Lt. Col. Nicholas who has done most excellent work while in command. A sound, firm and capable officer. 17th Field Siege Battery shelled "Sniper's Nest" and completely shambled it. – splendid shooting, fully a dozen direct hits – H.E. – must have been heavy casualties – nothing could have lived in it. – This had been a thorn in our side since Troops landed, as an observation and sniping point.