ANZAC WITHDRAWAL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2675, 22 January 1916, Page 5

ANZAC WITHDRAWAL

A VIVID ACCOUNT BY A NEW ZEALAND MEDICAL OFFICER | THE LAST TO LEAVE "ANZAC | DIEHARDS." . By Telc::rasii—Piea; Association—Copyright London, January 20. __ No more vivid account of the evacuation of Anzac lias been given than tliat in a New Zealand medical officer's diary, published in the Manchester "Guardian." He wrote:— December 10.—Astonished to learn that wo may be leaving with the guns. December 11.—Received orders to evacuate the hospital cases. December 12.—fold the seoretary to be ready to embark at any moment. Weather dead calm. There is' much excitement, for it is a terribly difficult feat, and any hitch may mean a great disaster. December 13.—Evacuation proceeding steadily. The weather is threatening. The landing_ was difficult enough; the final evacuation is a desperate business. Many guns have been shipped. Anafarta Plain has already a deserted appearance. We live m expectation of an attack at any moment. All the stores will be transported this evening to the embarkation point. The final scene will ho thrilling. Our casualties, it is estimated, will possibly be from six thousand to ten thousand. Have learnt later tliat the last troops to be withdrawn will be the old .Main Body of Australians and New Zealanders—the first to land, and the last to leave. They have played a glorious part. December 15. —Expect to leave tomorrow night. The eve of the final retreat has been a very trying day. The lino is precariously thin, and only a few cannon are left, which fire a great deal to compensate for the others. If deal to compensate for tlio others. If the Turks attack strongly, nothing can save us from a disaster. Tlieir artillery has scarcely fired for two days. Our warships are firing incessantly at Holies; -perhaps the Turks think we will try another assault on Achi Baba. The weather is fine. We have never studied the sky with such apprehension.

December 16.—An uneventful, anxious night. The roads and the sap seom deserted. ,It seems impossible that the Turks do not realise what we are doing. December 17.—We have definite orders to depart to-morrow night. The suspense is trying. The Turks are extraordinarily quiet, but our few guns make a brave show. *

December 18. —The whole' place seems to bo deserted. We could not wish for better weather for the grande finale. Our aeroplanes are aloft all day to keep off enemy observers. The garrison has been reduced, and to-morrow the remainder will embark—or what is left of them. The evacuation has hitherto been a tremendous success, but. tomorrow night will be very critical. December 19.—Left Anzac last 'evening, and marched along tho sap leading to the pier. Not a word was spoken, not a match was struck. Wo proceeded rapidly and silently in the darkness, all keyed up. Wo feared to hear riflefire at any moment. A few shells burst near the pier. We embarked with wonderful dispatch. The wharf was-covered with sacks to deaden the foofcfa'ris. We reached Mudros in the early morning, and arriml in camp in tho evening, and _ slept deep and long. Wo were all terrible weary from the strain. The first of the "Anzac Diehards" arrived, this afternoon, and tho last came in at 5 o'clock this ovening, and marched along a- road a milo long between lines of cheering troops. Very proud they looked as the men cheered. Noiie will ever forget those strained and exhausted, but dauntless faces. Their only casualties were three sprained •ankles, and the troops are as full of fight as ever, and will yet win some grdat battle.

ANOTHER MEDICAL OFFICER'S ACCOUNT. NOT SIXPENN'ORTH OF STUFF LEFT. London, January 20. , A medical officer, in a letter describing the evaouation of Anzac, says:— "When the men were told they were leaving they behaved splendidly, and went to work with a will to destroy everything they had to leave behind. When they had finished not sixpenn'orth of stuff was left in our gully: "Three-fifths of the men embarked on Saturday night without a mishap. Sunday was the most critical day, when those who were guarding the lines were removed, and wc prepared for large casualties. We started off at 8.30 in bright moonlight, in Indian file, through tho saps, the medical staff bringing up the rear, in the event of casualties.

"Keeping under the shadow of the eaps, we readied the beach at midnight without loss. "The staff work throughout was splendid." THE FINAL INSTRUCTIONS. TO THE DOCTOR LEFT BEHIND. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Rec. January 21, 5.30 p.m.) London) January 20. Lieutenant Quigley, an Australian, describes the evacuation of Anzac, and says the officers knew the intentions of the authorities_ before the men, but the latter had their suspicions aroused when tliey destroyed the stores. "On the final night," says Lieutenant Quigley, "I took medical charge, and was instructed ■ that if the wounded were unable to walk, I was to dress their wounds, and leave them in exposed positions in order that they might be seen, and attended to' later by the Turks. I was also- ordered to remain behind if there were many casualties." SUVLA BAY LANDING. NO INVESTIGATION AT PRESENT. London, January 20. At the House of Commons, fifty New Zealandors from Hornchurch, the guests of Mr. AVftson, were in the gallery, and listened with the keenest interest to questions relating to the Dardanelles. Afterwards they had tea on the terrace. I Mr. Redmond asked Mr. Asquith j whether, in view of.the imputations on the Army Corps divisional commanders at Suvla. Bay contained in Sir lan Hamilton's dispatch, the Government would order an inquiry to investigate the circumstances and the loss of life owing to tho absence of artillery and the failure of the water supply; and also whether General Stopford had asked for an inquiry regarding the circumstances of the landing at Suvla, and if such an inquiry would be held forthwith.

Mr. Asquith said that the Government, after careful consideration, had concluded that no sucli inquiry was practicable at present, as the officers needed' to constitute the tribunal, and the many necessary witnesses, could not be withdrawn from active service.

General Stopford had . asked for an inquiry.

(l!ec. January 21, 9.5 p.m.)

London, January 21. Mr. J. Dillon said the opportunity should be given officers to write their versions, as they might be killed. Mr. Asquith! It is a very delicate matter. All I can say is I will do my ■itmgsfc io sesuro finally, an ample jat

quiry, and full justice will he done to all concerned. Sir J. H. Dalziel: Will you. give an assurance that greater care will be taken in future in the selection of generals ? Mr. Asquith: Every care is taken. Mr. J. llcdmond: Is there any objection to members of the House of Commons seeing the War Office documents, which have already been shown to some members? Mr. Asquith asked that notice be given of the question. FULL JUSTICE TO BE DONE. AFTER AMPLE INQUIRY. London, January 20, 5.50 p.m. The High Commissioner reports:— In the House of Commons Mr. Asquith said the Government was'doing all it _ could regarding Suvla Bay. Ample inquiry would bo made later, and full justice would be done. An inquiry lvas impracticable in the present conditions.