Three Australian officers at Gallipoli, identified from left to right: Lieutenant Roy Kernot of the 1st Division Engineers; Lieutenant Edward Stanley Whitehead of the 3rd Field Company Engineers and Lieutenant Louis Willyama Avery (later MM) of the 1st Division Engineers. The three friends were all associated with the Silverton Tramway Company in Broken Hill and survived the war.
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Avery, Louis Willyama – May 1915
May 1st
Had first wash & shave since 24th Had a decent rest. At 4 p.m. ordered to go for rations during heavy shelling. A foolish order & I went against my will. Only got 12 yards when a spent shrapnel bullet caught me in the small of the back on the thick leather of my braces. Only a big black bruise.
May 2nd
While at the beach was hit on the knee by a bullet. Only drew blood. Blankets have not come ashore yet.
May 18th
Heavy Turkish attack. Australian casualties also heavy.
May 19th
General Turkish attack all along the line. For the first time our Company has been given a section of the front line trench to man as infantry. The attack was repulsed with great loss to Abdul.
May 20th
A German aeroplane dropped bombs on us today & showers of steel dart shaped missiles. A Turkish Staff Officer rode along the beach under the white flag, & blindfolded & brought in to our headquarters. They are asking for an armistice to bury their dead. During the attack of the past few days the Turks lost about 3000 men killed & 8000 wounded. Our total losses were 500. A temporary armistice was arranged, but being abused by the Turks, who are spying out our positions, it was necessary to open fire to prevent further treachery.
May 21st
Turks again displayed the white flag. Three officers coming in this time.
May 22nd
More white flags.
May 24th
Armistice granted the Turks to bury their dead between our trenches & theirs.
May 25th
H.M.S. Triumph which was guarding our right flank was sunk in 10 minutes by a German submarine. Most of the crew were rescued.
