SALONIKA, 1916.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1927, Page 4

SALONIKA, 1916.

YIR A-MERY OX ACTIVE SERVICE,

Mr 0. IV. Gambles, now of Christchurch. was attached to the Intelligence Department, General Headquarters. at Salonika. in 1916. ‘‘in charge.” he relates, “there was a somewhat fiery colonel, and when a cable arrived from London, intimating the impending arrival at Salonika- ol Captain Ainorv, the colonel swore roundly that- lie would not- have ‘a damned politician in the, branch!’ No more than a week had passed when the colonel hail changed his views completely. and was applying to Captain Amery for information regarding nis own job.

‘‘Mr Amery is a most popular man with everybody, cultured, easily approached. and he possesses a most {•harming personality. lie had not been at Salonika for long when the approaching General Election in England demanded his return to the Old Country. Everyone in the branch said good-bye to him. not expecting to see him again. Within four days, he returned. having lost all his papers, also his clothes. The explanation was that on the way home his ship was torpedoed. Amongst the passengers was a distinguished general. The submarine

gave them a icrtain amount of time to take to the boats, the general, iu full uniform, having with him a large number of private dispatches. Ho was captured and taken out of the boat. Tn the meantime, Captain Amery had gone below, blackened his face and hands and donned overalls. He then occupied the general’s vacated place ill the boat, and thus a very jmich more important man was able to make his escape more' quickly.” Of more personal reminiscences of Mr Amery during his stay at Salonika Mr Gambles has many to toll. “Although not- ft professional soldier himself, Mr Amery could teach soldiers their job,” states Mr Gambles. “There are many instances of little" actions lie was in the habit of performing that greatly endeared him to all ranks alike. On one occasion, several of us were preparing to turn in in the office which Captain Amery was workinglie often worked until after midnight—and, noting our preparations, he simply apologised and cleared out.”