LEAVING FOR THE TRENCHES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11332, 9 March 1915, Page 1

LEAVING FOR THE TRENCHES.

THE EVE OF THE FIGHT WITH THE TURKS. The following letter ha,s been received by Mrs Manning, of TuahiVi, from her sou David, at Zeituu Camp, dated January 25: " Perhaps this will be my last letter to von, bub let us hope wot. To-night we are leaving for the trenches. There is heavy lighting going on about twen-ty-law miles from Port .Said.—that is, on the Suez Canal. The message was brought, in this afternoon by an airman, "who stated that, there were about •10,000 Turks marching on the Canal. Hs also reported that there was a big fight, on this morning. I have just finished nutting my gear in order, rifle, eleanea and bayonet sharpened, etc. The bands are playing and men are loading the waggons up for our journev. "'Our 'Officer bns just, told us that we would be in the thick of it to-mor-row night. I only hope 1 will have the opportunity, of writing; to you there.

We .ire now playiug the rcnl game. not playing at- it- the way wp heen doing the last few week*. 1 have leit the majority of my equipment hi the base store. and have taken only what is needed in the trenches. as follows : Two blankets, a waterproof 'sheet. a change of underclothing. t-hree pans oi' socks mid shaving outfit.