28 June 1915: A demonstration against the Turks

29/6/1915

On June 28th 1915 a huge demonstration was made by our Brigade against the Turks. Our object being to keep enemy reinforcements from going to Cape Hellas where our people were attacking.
We left our trenches about noon and then the fun began. The Turks opened a furious fire: guns, machine guns and rifles and we caught it pretty rough on account of having no cover. We Signalers had the worst time carrying dispatches across open country under a terrible fire.   It’s a wonder we were not all killed.   My old friend Blackwell was riddled with bullets. I shot three Turks whilst taking a spell in a shell hole.
About 1600 word came that the attack was successful and that our object was achieved.   We then retired on our lines absolutely exhausted and bleeding from dozens of cuts caused by the undergrowth and barbed wire. The day was frightfully hot and we had very little water. I started out with full equipment and finished up almost naked.
Our casualties were about 120 which was surprisingly small. One man was taken prisoner and we had to leave many dead behind. We were given great praise for our work.   A few others and myself got special mention.
J. A. Graham

FOOTNOTE: The “Blackwell” mentioned above is Private John Milton Roy Blackwell. His war records (some published below) can be found in the National Archive of Australia:
SOURCE: http://discoveringanzacs.naa.gov.au/browse/records/117893