15 October 1915

ANZAC - Major Edward Cadogan, Suffolk Yeomanry - Major Cadogan had been left behind when the Suffolk Yeomanry first landed at Anzac on 10 October. But he did not have long to kick his heels as he was called up to join the rest of them and landed himself on the night of 13 October. He was guided forward in the dark by an Australian guide to Bedford Gully. On the 15 October he had a chance to look round.

"The dugouts in this gully are very scarce and they are extremely necessary if you are to rest. I really believe these so-called rest camps are less restful than the trenches, but there is not much peace anywhere in the Dardanelles. This morning I went to see my squadron in the trenches — my first experience of trench life of which I have read and heard so much. I met Pemberton who showed me round. This particular line of trenches was comparatively comfortable as it was over 1,000 yards from the enemy. It commanded the most beautiful view and we were far enough off to look over the side in safety. They were very narrow and deep and seemed to be made of clay which crumbled rather easily. Our men seemed in good spirits. Sickness and other troubles have not yet begun. One of them asked if I would like a shot at some Turks he could see. I fired away and instantly there was an angry message on the telephone from a digging party of ours out in no man’s land that my bullets had gone close to them! After going the rounds I returned to Bedford Gully where I met jack Agnew who had got a telegram in his hand from General ‘]oey’ Davis asking me to go on his staff. I refused without any hesitation because I considered it such a rotten thing to do to leave your regiment when you go out on active service for the first time. l think everybody ought to try the front line if they can. If they cannot stand it then I don`t blame them so much for going on staff, but everyone should test themselves, and I wanted to do so now. Jack told me that we had all got to tuck ourselves well into our dugouts tonight as there was going to be a great demonstration on the British side all down the line, of firing and shooting. This, of course, would put the wind up the enemy and our gully might come in for a heavy shelling."

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SOURCE:
E. Cadogan (edited by K. Charatan & C. Cecil), "Under Fire in the Dardanelles: The Great War Diaries and Photographs of Major Edward Cadogan", (Barnsley: Pen & Sword, 2006), p.47 Photo of Bedford Gully p.46