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[Page 83]
[Text crossed out]
They are still complaining at home of not receiving any letters from me & are still quoting the fact of Arthur's letters having reached there. They don't seem to be able to calculate the change chance of my letters having been posted not till a couple of mails later than his, and this is what actually happened. I have sent Field Post Cards in acknowledgement of them all.
I have now learnt that the aeroplane (previous page) [Page 80] was forced to the ground owing to engine trouble – but that as soon as she landed the Turks opened & damaged one of her planes with shrapnel. The aviator escaped & the machine was secured & repaired.
It has been bitterly cold today & it seems that winter is now on top of us.
Friday 15th Oct 1915
Ack. Dad's letter of 29th Aug. & Mabs 16th, 23rd & 29th Aug.
New Zealand casualties - Christchurch Sept. 15 – "The casualties among the N.Z. forces at the Dardanelles are as follows –
Officers 78 killed, 201 wounded, 15 missing
Men 1231 killed, 4083 wounded, 530 missing
Totals 1309 killed, 4284 wounded, 545 missing
This gives a total of casualties of all ranks of 6138.
Saturday 16th Oct 1915
[Text crossed out] Home letters tell me that Sydney went mad one day in August when the City was informed that the Dardanelles had fallen. Flags were flown & all were wild with excitement. Perth too seems to have received this huge "canard". What a huge joke considering our stagnation here.
The Turkish Festival of Beiram begins between the 18th & 20th instants, & lasts for four days. It is quite possible that the Turks may be prevailed upon to make a fanatical attack, & all ranks have been