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IN GALLIPOLI.

HUMOUR IN THE TRENCHES. BEIGHT LETTER FROM "GUS." Sergeant-major W. A. Gustafson, who left from Balclutha to go on active service, introduces a good deal of his characteristic humour into a letter which lie writes from the trendies to his friend, Mr W. Harte, Balclutha, who kindly permits us to publish the letter. The censor has been somewhat ruthless with his big black pencil, but what is left of the epistle is as follows: Gallipoli Peninsula, July .'iO. Dear Will,—Just a few lines to Jet you know I am still in the land of existence, and enjoying the climatic conditions of Turkey, although the conditions under which one has to live and the hairbreadth escapes keeps one from getting despondent or from attacks of | melancholia. Our "Little Grey Home I in the West" is not quite as luxurious as a certain place 1 know in Balclutha. J 1 shall try and give you a description of OUR LIFE OUT HERE. \

Firstly, we are in a consolidated position commanding our friend, James Turk. Where that position is Mr Censor won 't allow me to disclose, but suffice to say 1 am quite content to remain where I am, and keep on missing Jimmy's (the Turks') shrapnel and snipers, whom, 1 might mention, are numerous. My abode consists of a hole dug in the side of a hill about 4ft wide, lift long, and about :ift deep at the top end to ground level at the foot. In this capacious abode yours truly receives his guests, partakes of his bully beef and biscuits—oh, they are delicious, I don't think—and sleeps when he can. Our diet is not all beer and skittles, and if I could only get a few of the drinks I refused whilst in Egypt, or partake of a decent respectable meal f would not care. There is one Godsend: that is the beach. There we can have a swim, and it is a treat, I can assure you. The next treat is the privilege of being allowed to search one's shirt and pants daily; this treat is otherwise known as the AXZAC HUXT CLUB.

Great gambling can take place on the events in this club's card. Some men are more unfortunate than others, and have quite an extraordinary haul. Believe me, it is a common sight to see thousands of men sitting on the beach "hunting" their shirts and pants. I did laugh the first time 1 witnessed this performance; it was a wonderful sight, but now T am one of the entrants in the principal handicap, hut I cannot say T am carrying "top weight." You will have read about the doings of the New Zealanders and Australians. Rather high coloured, but nevertheless the landing was an absolutely WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE

It would have reflected the highest credit on the pick of the British Army, so it speaks well for the "contemptible little colonial army," and they are still holding their own, even against heavier odds. The latest Balelutha man to be killed with the Monnteds was R. G. Bradshaw, who was shot through the head. But W.A.G. is still hanging on. The shrapnel is deadly. Tt varies from a ]2-pounder to a (Jin, and "Jimmy's" high explosives vary from 121b to a 12iu—that is about 10001b. Very nice for one to land in your dug-out, eh? A EROPLAN E RECONNAISANCE.

is our principal means of gaining information. Practically all day aeroplanes are hovering about. There are all kinds, namely, biplanes, seaplanes, hydroplanes, monoplanes, and an occasional German Taube. One of the last-named has just, passed over. Those aboard were good enough to drop a couple of bombs, which, I might say, fell into the deep blue sea, killing oulv a few fish. Oh, the Huns! OUR GUN'S

are many and of all kinds, from French mortars and machine guns to the large howitzers. Then we get the large guns from the battleships, and broadsides fairly make the ground shake, but still the world goes on. The sinking of the Triumph and Majestic were wonderful sights which one does not like to see happen too frequently. Well, Will, 01.l boy, I shall have to draw to a close. 1 am sorry I cannot give you any information, as Mr Censor objects, but suffice to say I am quite well and enjoying a whole skin. I can say the same about MAJOR GRIGOR, who is a "brick." He has turned out a good officer, and commands the best squadron. Au revoir, and remember me to all my'friends in Balclutha.—W. A. Gustafson.

Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CL19150921.2.12

Bibliographic details

Clutha Leader, Volume XLII, Issue 24, 21 September 1915, Page 3

Word Count
763

IN GALLIPOLI. Clutha Leader, Volume XLII, Issue 24, 21 September 1915, Page 3

IN GALLIPOLI. Clutha Leader, Volume XLII, Issue 24, 21 September 1915, Page 3

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