Chapter 9

Embarkation for Gallipoli

On April 28 verbal orders were received by the Divisional Commander that the Division must be prepared to move to the Dardanelles at short notice. The news soon spread; it was no rumour this time, but the real thing, and on April 30 excitement was at fever heat. At last the Territorials were to be given the opportunity to which all ranks had looked forward so eagerly, and towards which recent training had been directed. Little time was given forpreparation, but no more was needed, as the Division was ready to take the field. On May 1, 1915, the embarkation of the East Lancashire Division began, the Lancashire Fusilier Brigade, the Brigade Signal Section and No. 2 Company, A.S.C. leaving Alexandria for the Dardanelles on the 2nd May. The Manchester Brigade, the Brigade Section Signal Company, No. 4 Company, A.S.C., and the 1st Artillery Brigade sailed on the night of the 3rd. Some of the transports had just brought many hundreds of wounded men from Gallipoli. TheDerflinger, a captured German vessel, had landed 550 casualties a few hours before she was boarded by the 5th and 6th Manchesters, and the gory clothing and stretchers which littered her decks were sufficient evidence of war’s brutality to sober the most irresponsible and banish all idea of a “picnic” expedition. The embarkation of the remainder of the Division was delayed by the lack of trains, but on the 4th all units, with the exception of the Yeomanry, left their stations for the ports of embarkation, and on the 6th of May were at sea. The men carried with them grateful memories of the ladies of Alexandria, from whom much kindness had already been received, and who now opened a buffet on the quay, and from dawn until dusk supplied tea, coffee, and other refreshments to troops awaiting their turn to embark.

While the troops were embarking Major-General Douglas received the following telegram from Sir John Maxwell—

“When you have an opportunity will you let the East Lancashire Division know that during the time they have been under my command I have been filled with admiration of their conduct, keenness, capacity for hard work, cheerfulness and soldier-like spirit. Now they are going on hard active service I am sure they will fight gallantly and uphold the great traditions of Lancashire and the Empire, and prove, if proof be needed, that the trained Territorial soldier is second to none. Good luck and God speed to you all.”

On May 1 the Embarkation State of the Division was as follows—

Officers commanding units—

With one or two exceptions these officers were in command when the units left England. Lieut.-Colonel Heywood (6th Manchesters) had been pronounced unfit for active service by reason of defective eyesight, and Lieut.-Colonel Needham (A.S.C.) was left at Alexandria sick.

1/2nd GURKHA RIFLES CROSSING 1ST FIELD COMPANY’S BRIDGE OVER SUEZ CANAL AT FERRY POST.

TURKISH PONTOONS CAPTURED AT TOUSSOUM, SUEZ CANAL.

6th BN. MANCHESTER REGT. EMBARKING AT ALEXANDRIA FOR GALLIPOLI.

UNLOADING HORSES AT C. HELLES.

SHIPPING OFF C. HELLES, MAY 1915.

BIVOUACS IN THE “REST AREA,” C. HELLES.

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