“Au Revoir, Anzac”
To Lemnos, November 1915

THE WONDER OF AEROPLANES... Gallipoli, 24 June 1915

As a bitter winter approached towards the end of 1915, the decision was made to withdraw from the unsuccessful Gallipoli campaign. The strength of the AIF had been greatly weakened, and remaining troops badly needed rest, nourishment, and recuperation. 

After nearly seven months in the trenches it was decided the 9th (Queensland) and 11th (Western Australian) Battalions would be among the first withdrawn. Bert had only been there five months, but was as eager to leave as everyone else. 

“Nov 17th - 2am ...it seems almost too good to be true that we are at last to get away from the din of battle for a time. It is a lovely night, the sea is calm, and there is even a distinct lull in the firing line. We are going out the bay now and have just passed a line of 5 hospital boats. They look very pretty in their illuminations of green and red cross, but it makes one feel sad when they think of the poor fellows aboard them. I am thankful I have not yet had to use one of them...

9am - We have just dropped anchor in the inner Mudros Harbour of Lemnos Isle. The bay is full of sea craft of all kinds and classes from skiffs and yachts to warships and liners, including six hospital ships. It was a great sight to see them all “laying to”, as we wended our way thro’ them to our anchorage...” 

They disembarked at 10am and, carrying only their rifles, marched three miles around the bay to the Sarpi Rest Camp, where…

“Several of us went to a canteen, bought some grub, sat on the beach and had our first feed since leaving Anzac, as we left too hurriedly to be given travelling rations.

8pm - It is a lovely moonlight evening and I have just been for a walk along the beaches on my own. All the sea craft is lit up and the bay is a fine sight. 

I am very tired, so here’s to bed.” 

By Shannon Lovelady
Story from A Signaller’s Story Exhibit