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Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2595, 18 October 1915, Page 7

A letter was received in Gisborne on October 13 from the late Rev. W. Grant, chaplain to the Forces; written on August 16, a few days before his death on Gallinoli. He mentions that ho had been filling the duties of censor during the past ten days. He writes: "We have carried out a big flanking movement oil our left successfully, so far, which we believe will be the beginning of 'the end. On the first night j we attacked and occupied the first position all along the line with fixed bayonets, not a shot being, fired on our side. In case of accident no ammunition was carried either in the rifle or the magazine, the silent thrusting of our fellows terrifying the Turks as a rifle fusillade could not have done. In several cases our fellows were able to walk right into the trenches without opposition, only sentries being there, who were quickly dealt with. The Turks were for the most part asleep ,in their dug-outs, and afterwards surrendered. They were not to be taken by surprise a sccond time, however, and the davs following have seen some fierce fighting. The New Zealanders have' again distinguished themselves, and some of our gallant Gisborne boys hare been killed. Tlio 9th Squadron, W.M.U., occupied the position assigned to them the first night, and afterwards acted as supports to the 2nd and 6th. I heard it ■stated yesterday that the Wellington Infantry is the finest in the world, and vou will be interested to learn that the following message from Brigadier-Gen-eral Johnston, of the Infantry Brigade, was in Orders yesterday:—'l wish on behalf of this brigado to thank the two regiments (Auckland and Wellington Mounted Rifles}, of your brigade for the magnificent way they stood shoulder to shoulder with the Infantry brigade in the desperate fighting on . Tho casualties wero heavy, hut none wavered, and the conduct of both officers and men. was beyond praise.' In looking back on that fierce struggle, it will always bo,a source of satisfaction to this brigade that our coriirades. of ,the mounted brigado helned so powerfully to 'keep tlie flag flvmg on the ridge. The Fifth Reinforcements arrived on the Sunday, and _ were immediately thrust into the firing line, and they have acquitted themselves magnificently. We are all of good cheer, knowing that while the issue is prolonged it is not uncertain. It is said that the Greeks aro, using a postcard with the legend: 'There is one battle that England will certainly win—the last.' In this hope wo are confident and unafraid." ' '