Item 01: Oliver Hogue letters, November 1914-29 December 1915 - Page 80
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[Page 80]
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Dardanelles situation that will greatly interest Pater & Farmer Whyte. Winston Churchill was responsible for the navy commencing operations before the army was ready to cooperate. Kitchener was strongly opposed to this. But Greece was to blame for they broke their promise. England gave Greece £8 000 000 on the understanding that she would declare war the moment the fleet started to shell the forts. But Greece never did her share. This is why Ian Hamilton had to rush to the scene with insufficient forces. . This force did remarkably well, but had to face terrible odds. Reinforcements are now coming from England & France & of course from Egypt where out reinforcements are. For some unaccountable reason the Bulgars are hanging fire though they are threatening to come into the foray every day. Same with Italy.
Our machine gun sections left yesterday and were given a rousing send off. The Brigadier made a few well chosen remarks, the band played 'Auld Lang Syne' the Maadi folk turned out in full strength and cheered them off. They were happy as Larry getting away. The fellows left behind were miserable.