Item 01: Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett diary, 1915-1917 - Page 25
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 25]
to watch events, and to write a few articles of a picturesque nature which could be allowed through. I forget the exact date on which the "Arcadian" with Sir Ian Hamilton on board arrived in the Bay, but I lost no time in visiting her, and in presenting a letter of introduction which I carried, from Harry Lawson to the Commander in Chief . Sir Ian received me in a most friendly manner, and said that he had no official notice that Lawrence and myself were attached to the Army, and I then asked him whether he would let me land, and join with the troops. He said he had no objection at all, and that he thoroughly disapproved of the manner in which the public had been kept in the dark throughout the campaign, and that he was entirely in favor of having reputable war correspondents with the Army. He said that of course, this passage would have to be censored, but that he would see that nothing was taken out except that which came within the category of military secrets.
He then made the announcement to me, that William Maxwell, the ex Daily Mail correspondent was on his staff, and had been appointed censor. This news fairly staggered me, because I happened to know that Maxwell was no particular friend of mine, and that also he would hardly be acceptable to the Newspaper Proprieters' Assoc, on account of his quarrel with the "Daily Mail" In the early part of this campaign, Maxwell had been employed by the "Daily Telegraph" in France and Belgium, but his opportunities had been so few, and his work so indifferent that at Christmas, a contract was terminated by mutual consent, and Maxwell was presented with a commission as a Captain of the Staff. I pointed out these objections to Sir