WIND AND DUST.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15489, 17 January 1916, Page 2

WIND AND DUST.

GALLIPOLI IN NOVEMBER., CANTERBURY MAN'S LETTER. Writing to his parents from Bauchop's Hill, under date November 16th, Quartermaster-Sergeant N. F. Trolove says We are making winter quarters at the foot of the above hill, which was taken by our chapi? on the night of August 6th. I have fixed up a fairly good temporary "bivvy,", but there is mucli dust about, owing to the nawying that is going on. The night is wild, and the wind whirls the dust under my sheet-roof and keeps putting my light* out. My ears, nose, eyes, and neck seem to be inches deep in dust. Verily, a soldier's life under certain conditions is not a happy one. • ' We landed two days ago, and had two men hit by stray bullets, while the ship was lying qfE waiting to land us. Tho Turks don't fire their big guns at night, being afraid of revealing their well-concealed positions, but during the day their Bin howitzers have been paying us unwelcome attention. I could not help a panicky feeling when I heard ,the first great shell coming. I looked for a dug-out, but 1 as I was out in the open, I just stood and took my chance. When it burst with a roar on top of the ridge about 150 yards away, the rotten feeling I had vanished, and I trust won't come again. They put a good many into our vicinity all day, but so far as I know, did iiot get anyone, althought the base of one big fellow missed a chap -at our cooking place by inches. . The rain has just started, and drops are coming through, and I must stop to fix things. I expect the next shower will flood me out. While at service yesterday (Sunday) a shell passed over us in the middle of it, and I think we all ducked. I know I did —I couldn't help it. Yesterday Robin Harper, Duncan Murchison, and myself visited the • graves of some of our poor fellows who fell in August. Some were in good condition, but I am sorry to say the crosses had been taken from others, for firewood, I suppose. Duncan and Robin were elevated to commissioned rank yesterday. I am glad, for they are both good fellows, and deserved it. Have not visited my chum Jim Orr's grave yet, as it is a good way from here. j You will be glad to hear I am feel- ! ing O.K. again, and. am getting stronger and more fit every day. I can't say 1 am keen to make the close acquaintance of Johnny Turk again. I am being kept fairly busy at my new duties, but my lot is a king's now to what it was | formerly. ! God "strafe" Germany, the Turks, : the rain, the wind, and-the dust, and I let us get back home.