No. 4 Gun of Major Hughes' 7th Battery, firing over "The Wheatfield,"
taken by Captain C.E.W. Bean on the 4th May 1915.
[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - G00937]
May 4 Tuesday
A reconnaissance in force was
made by our infantry about 4am on KAPA TEPE which disclosed the fact that the
enemy were strongly entrenched there with machine guns and small gun about a 3
pounder.
Our attack was driven off + the
force were taken off the beach by boats from the Navy covered by fire from the
ships. Our casualties were heavy + the
Navy also lost some men.
A Pinnace afterwards steamed in
under the red cross + removed our wounded.
The enemy also came out under their red crescent + removed theirs.
The 7th Battery
detachments relieved the 9th Battery
on the guns.
During the night there was continuous
rifle fire on our left.
"The Wheatfield" in front of the Australian line at Anzac, photographed
from the gun
pit of the 7th Battery's No. 4 Gun, by Captain C.E.W. Bean on the 4th May 1915.
[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - G00938]
Tuesday 4th May
At 3.30 AM this morning I engaged enemy’s Infantry
on Shrapnel ridge. At 4.30 AM party from 3rd Infantry Brigade landed on beach
at Kaba Tepe, but were met by heavy machine gun fire.
Destroyers and my guns peppered the point
thoroughly, but it appeared unwise to carry the attempt any further, so troops
were returned in boats to the Destroyers. Bullets flew all around them, and
from our gun positions we could see the whole drama. Altogether I Understand
eight were killed including one officer and 18 wounded. I expect Kaba Tepe will
eventually be taken from the land side. A battery came into action yesterday
about 1700* distant, and let us have our first taste of shrapnel. Fortunately no
harm was done. Mr Crisp located him again this morning. His men were busy
making emplacements and their picks were visible. They did not remain there
long. A pinnace went out about noon from the navy to bury dead from morning’s
operations, under cover of Red Cross flag. They were not fired upon. At 2.30
Turks carrying Red Crescent searched for the dead and wounded. They were also
not fired upon by us. Major Hughes personnel resumed duty on their guns at 4PM.
Major Burgess’ personnel relieved for a few days. I heard unofficially today
that Lieut Clowes and three gunners of 8th Battery had been wounded in action,
but I have no definite details. There is also an unconfirmed rumour that Lieut
Morgan is a casualty. A very quiet night. Both Lt Richards and myself had a
good sleep.
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