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[page 15]
1915
escort to G.H.Q. at Imbros, but Lieut Mack, the officer who was detailed, was delayed two days' owing the sea breing too rough to embark. Heavy rain fell between 1700 and 2200 on the 17th, causing much damage and many washaways in the trenches and saps. Enemy aeroplanes were more active but little damage was done by the bombs.
On the 19th the following promotions to commissioned rank were made in the field:- Sgt C.W.Harris, Cpl H.E.Wright, L/Cpl R.a.L.Macdonald.
At this time rumours of an evacution of the Peninsula commenced, and on November 24 a period of 24 hours' silence wasordered with the idea of deceiving the enemy and drawing him on to attack; prior to this the 69th Battery had shelled Sniper's Nest with good effect. On the 27th another period of silence was maintained for 26th orders were received to continue the silence
36 hours until midnight on November 27/28 but the enemy did not show beyond their heads and shoulders. Heavy rain on 26th and 27th was followed by a short blizzard of snow as the 'silent battle' came to a close and then by two days and nights during which a freezing wind blew; many men in the Regiment had never seen snow before. The constant vigil had a wearying effect on all ranks and proper nourishment was not obtainable; consequently evacuations increased, and it was seen how difficult it would be to get away form the Peninsula without great losses if such weather continued.
On November 30 Lieut-Col Meredith returned to the Regiment, Temporary Colonel C.F.Cox, C.B., V.D., having been appointed temporarily to the command of the Brigade. The cold increased and the enemy made no attempt to attack, thinking, no doubt, the elements would drive us away. Great improvements were made in all trenches, and barbed wire 'cheveux de frise' were made and put along the unit's line at tactical points, there being insufficent material to do the whole front.
More canteen stores arrived from Imbros on December 5, and Lieut Mack and party returned from escort duty. The snipers of 1 L.H. had by this time gained complete mastery over the enemy snipers and many of the enemy were bagged. They retaliated by using a new kind of a broomstick bomb with a range of 700 yards.