AT GRIPS.

Northern Advocate, 8 May 1915, Page 5

AT GRIPS.

ON GALLIPOLI.

A GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION,

LANDING AND ADVANCE.

THE ORDEAL AT DAWS

(Press Assn.—Reed. 10.30 p.m.)

LONDON, May 7,

Mr Ashrnead Bartlett, who was aboard a warship with live hundred Australasians, who formed a covering party for the landing at Gabatepe, writes as follows: —'

It required splendid skill, organisation and leadership to conduct the huge armada under weight from Mirdros Bay without accl'dents. The warships and transports were divided into five divisions. Never before has an attempt been made to land so large a force in the face of a well-pre-pared enemy.

At two o'clock p.m. on April the flagship of the division, conveying the Australians, passed down the long lane of slowly-moving transports, amid tremendous cheering, and was played out of Mirdros Bay by the French warships.

At four o'clock the ship's company and troops assembled to hear the Admiral's proclamation to the combined forces. This was followed by the last service before the battle wherein the chaplain uttered prayers for victory.

At dusk all lights were out, and thi troops rested for the ordeal at dawn. It was a beautifully calm night.

By one o'clock in the morning the ships (reached the rendezvous, live miles from the landing place. The soldiers were aroused and served with their last hot meal.