IN THE FIRING LINE AT GALLIPOLI

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2519, 21 July 1915, Page 8

IN THE FIRING LINE AT GALLIPOLI

LETTER FROM COLONEL MELDRUIU

SINKING OF THE TRIUMPH

Colonel Meldram, of the Wellington Mounted.Regiment, in a letter to Sirs. Mcldrum, writes:—

"After thirteen days in the trenches we were relieved by the Australians, and for the past two days we have been resting. That is to say we are in rear of the position subject to shrapnel (tlie regiment had 8 casualties from shell fire), and without the cover we had during our turn in the trenches built up for ourselves there. In fact we wanted to stay on in the trenches,' but the higher authorities ordered otherwise. "The day before we came out there was a nino hours' armistice to bury tlio dead. A line of our men and the Turks with white flags were posted half-way between the opposing trenches. Burial parties from, either force then came up with picks and shovels and stretchers, and each side cleared the ground up to the mid-way line. There was 110 treachery. Thoy played the game just as pur men did, and it was not till after time was up and all were back in their trenches that firing was renewed. Next day my regiment came out for their rest. ' Last of the Triumph.. "We are just above the sea beach. We "have fairly heavy fatigues to do in addition to digging in and making our 'bivvies' secure, but can get turns to go to ■ the beach for a swim, and at night-time can get a good sleep. The day we were coming out we saw an unpleasant sight from the trenches on the hill. The Turks opposite us no doubt looked at. it in another light.

"At the time I was going round our front lines, showing them. to the colonel of the regiment that was coming to relievo us. A trooper who was standing up 'observing' said to me, 'Look, sir, they have torpedoed . a warship.' Loolcing out about a- mile away was the Triumph with a slight list on, but apparently settling down, and torpedoboats, destroyers, mine-sweepers, and launches making towards her from all quarters at top.speed. She had been torpedoed by a submarine, which, through her periscope was seen near and fired on. •

"All eyes were fixed on the warship, which could be seen sjowly settling down and increasing her list. Two or tlireo boats got alongside,, and quietly took off the crew. In about twelve minutes after being hit she slowly heeled over and turned bottom up. She remained bottom up for about 15 minutes longer, the air bubbling'out near her bows, and then sbo disappeared. Fifty-two men were lost, probably, nearly all from tho explosion; the rest, . about 700,' were saved;

"In spite of''these losses wo aro all cheerful, and aro longing to get at tho Turk to get quits, again. AVe may not make a move for some days yet, unless srna.ll ones. 1 The appearance of submarines has .made a difference already. The "warships were standing off and shelling the Tnrkjsh positions during the day arid. • using their'searchlights and often shelling at night, and l very mncli damage as well as protecting our flanks has been done. Now they have cleared for'their own. safety, and we shall find things a good bit livelier. However, if it results in bringing the Turk up to the attacking point wo shall not growl, for that is what we are hoping for. Proud'of His Man. "It is wonderful how steady all my men are. They aro absolutely fearless and ready for anything. I am very proud of them. I din quite fit and well, and though I must say I don't ; altogether like tho work of slaughter, yet I find the work wonderfully interesting. Tho spirit of comradeship is grand. . . _ _ ... "I am writing this sitting on tho floor of my dug-out, after a round of shelling frqm one of-the enemy's guns, which lias our. position measured to a nicety. Two shrapnel • bullets eaino; through, the oil-sheet overhead a few minutes ago."