The Landing at Suvla

The landing at Suvla Bay was an amphibious landing made at Suvla on the Aegean coast of the Gallipoli peninsula in the Ottoman Empire as part of the August Offensive, the final British attempt to break the deadlock of the Battle of Gallipoli. The landing, which commenced on the night of 6 August 1915, was intended to support a breakout from the ANZAC sector, five miles (8 km) to the south. Although initially successful, against only light opposition, the landing at Suvla was mismanaged from the outset and quickly reached the same stalemate conditions that prevailed on the Anzac and Helles fronts. On 15 August, after a week of indecision and inactivity, the British commander at Suvla, Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick Stopford, was dismissed. His performance in command is often considered one of the most incompetent feats of generalship of the First World War.

Wikipedia 

The 1/6th Essex departed Devonport, England on Sunday, 25th July 1915, onboard the S.S. Southland. There wer 50 Red Cross nurse onboard the ship too. The Vaderland was launched on July 12, 1900 and delivered November 29, 1900. She made her maiden voyage on December 8, 1900 from Antwerp to New York. In 1903 she was registered in Antwerp. In 1914 she was loaned to the White Star Line, Liverpool, and on September 3, 1914 she made her first White Star voyage from New York to Liverpool. In 1915 she was renamed Southland and was placed on the Liverpool to Montreal service. After that, she was used as troop transport.

"At 11.30 100 men, myself being one, were issued out with 50 rounds of ammunition. We were placed all around the ship. We were the submarine guard. Not very far out we passed the Eddystone Lighthouse. Soon we lost sight of land and then I began to feel a bit funny. About 5 o’clock a ship was sighted, it had no flag flying. One of our escorts soon went after it and after going around her 3 times she came back. " 

Lionel King, 25th July 1915

"I forgot to say before but the Destroyers left us at midnight last night. The ship is not keeping a straight course but sails first SW and the SE, for what reason I don't know." 

Lionel King, 26th July 1915

"We passed Gibraltar about 3.30am. I was fast asleep so did not have the pleasure of seeing land. After coming through the straits we where held up by a French gunboat. Today we were allowed to write letters." 

Lionel King, 29th July 1915

"At 6am this morning and 8pm tonight we had to go up on deck naked to be sprayed with a hose. It was sea water and it wasn't nice to get a mouth full. About 11am we passed the White [??]; SS 'Aquatania'. Early in the afternoon I saw land for the first time during the voyage. It was the coast of 'Algeria'. The heat has been intense today. It is a good job we don't do much work."  

Lionel King, 30th July 1915

"At 9.30am we attended a Divine service on deck. We were then in sight of Malta. We stopped in the harbour about 11.30am. The town around the harbour is grand. The building are almost the same colour as the rocks it is built on. I think its name is Yelletta. We were in harbour for 6 1/2 hours. During this time natives came all around the ship selling cigarettes, cigars, shirts and silks while boys dived for money. This diving seemed very profitable. We left the Malta a little after six. A few of the City of London Regiment who are stationed as a garrison and some wounded solders on a Hospital ship gave us a hearty send off. We soon got out to sea again wishing we could have stooped a day or so at Malta." 

Lionel King, 1st August 1915

"This morning I got a job as washer up in the Sergeants Mess. I have never handled so much crockery in my life. It seemed an endless job. We sighted land about 6pm and we arrived in the docks of Alexandra at 7pm. It looks a very nice town from the water. We did not get such a good reception as we did at Malta. I saw a few natives that came to meet us in 'Dowhs' (boats). Nurses went on shore today to the Base Hospital."

 Lionel King, 4th August 1915

"This morning I was detailed for guard again. I only went ashore once to take my kit bag and then only got as far as the quay. We were not allowed in the town. The natives [??] the ship and it was a bit of fun to see them, They always seemed as if they were rowing? The dock policemen are natives. If any of the natives do anything wrong the policemen take them up to the chief officer who is walking around and they receive one or two slashes across the back with a whip. The natives are dressed very badly, most of them only were a shirt. I can't say much about the women as I only saw one or two + they looked like bundles of rag tied up in the middle. The 5th Batt Essex Regt (who were in docks when we arrived yesterday) left about 5.30pm. We left soon afterwards at 7pm. About 120 men from our battalion were left at Alexandria for some purpose. It looked as if all the old crocks were left. Again we were disappointed at not having time to have a look around. Now I'll try and get a little sleep. The sea seems a bit rougher than it has been. I can see a few fellows being sick." 

Lionel King, 5th August 1915

"We had busy day today. Every man was issued out with 1lb of hard biscuits + 1 tin (12 ozs) of boned beef tea and sugar, rashers of bacon. These are emergency rations. Each man also had a new blanket + 200 rounds of ammunition. We also had to pack up a bundle of wood + put this with pack. I reckon they take us for pack ponies. We had our first pay day since we left England. I received a 10 note + had a devil of a job to change it. I had to spend 4 before I could change it. I nearly forgot. Edgar + I did our first day washing. We got on fairly well. we hung them on the side of the ship. I had fastened up a few things + was hanging up Edgar's shirts when I turned around + found my khaki shirt had gone for a swim. So some my money went for a new shirt. We stopped at an Island I think is 'Lemnos' rather late. Think this is our destination for a time. We got here about 9pm." 

Lionel King, 7th August 1916

"Today we can hear the big guns from the ships. I saw several water planes. We have got on board about 50 Egyptian solders, they are attached to the REF They brought on board with them about a dozen sheep + all their baggage. We are still awaiting orders + expect to land any time. I gave my mandolin to one of the stewards."

 Lionel King, 10th August 1916

The 1/6th Essex regiment arrived at Sulva Bay on the Gallipoli Peninsula on board the S.S. Southland late in the evening of the 11th August 1915. At 00.30 they transferred over to two oil-engined lights to travel to the beach. 

"We were woke up at 4am this morning + told to dress. We had left the bay a quarter of an hour then. It was not long before we anchored again about 500yds from the shore. We had a good breakfast + at half past eight I was on the transport. This id like a large barge + 3 companies were crowded on to them. We left the ship about 9.30 am + we did not land till 12 noon." 

Lionel King, 11th August 1916

"It was very hot when we landed, also hot from little pieces of something flying through the air; in fact, before we left the big boat for the small ones a flying machine started dropping some fireworks. So you see the Turks gave us a warm reception."

 Q.M.S. Robert Austin Blyth Middleton

On the morning of Friday the 13th of August the regiment moved forward into the trenches. The leading columns came under heavy sniper and machine gun fire. "B" and "D" Companies in particular suffered from shrapnel. Four members of the 6th Essex were killed on this first day of action, they were Lance Corporal William Buttleman, Private Charles Albert Gower, Sergeant David Jarvis and Private Henry Charles Saich. A total of 61 soldiers were wounded, including Lieutenant Leslie Gerald Stenning who died of his wounds on the 1st September 1915 on board a ship travelling back to England. 

“We landed on Wednesday and were in action on Friday, and have been in action ever since. We are awfully fatigued now, although still merry. I am in command of the company now, as Birch was wounded first day. I am quite happy and we don’t care a bit about the fire, we are all used to it now.”

 Lieutenant Arthur Charles Beeton 17/8/1915

"There are thousands of snipers about here. They live in trees and paint themselves green and they keep firing whether they see anyone or not, all day and night, but rarely take a good aim. We have had to run the gauntlet several times. One day I went out with six men to get in touch with another battalion and we were under a hail of shot for over an hour, but we got out of it alright. Nobody worries about shots now; we just criticise their shooting. Don’t worry about me, for I’m quite alright.” 

Lieutenant Arthur Charles Beeton 19/8/1915

22nd August the regiment move to the third line of trenches on RAZOR BACK and then moved onto JEPHSON POST the following day to relieve the 1/5 Essex Regiment. Shrapnel shells were heavy, killing  Lance Corporal Horace Samuel Newman and Lieutenant Arthur Charles Beeton. Lionel's friend, Private Frank Thomas Nye, was also killed on this day from a stray shot of shrapnel. 

"Just a line trusting you are quite well, I received your letter you wrote on the 8th of Aug , on the 21st, that was Saturday, I was so pleased to have your letter , but at the same time I was wondering if you were alright, for the sinking of the Transport on the 14th has unnerved me terrible, + you dare not tell us any news in your letters, makes it worse than ever for us at home, + it seems funny to think that should happen just as you had left home. I hope to goodness our Navy will guard all the other Transports better than they did that one. I do not feel the same as I did before that happened, but I should think we should soon know who's gone by the newspaper, what a terrible turn out, it is nearly everybody in trouble." 

Florence King, 23rd August 1915

Lionel's mother is referring to the sinking of the SS Royal Edward. On August 13, 1915, while en route to Alexandria, Egypt, carrying mainly troops from the British 29th Division, the SS Royal Edward was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UB-14 in the Aegean Sea, near the Greek island of Kandeloussa. The attack was swift and deadly, with the ship sinking within six minutes. Many of the soldiers onboard were below decks and unable to escape, resulting in a high loss of life. It is estimated that around 1,000 people perished in the sinking, including soldiers, crew members, and some civilians. The sinking of the SS Royal Edward was a significant blow to the British war effort, resulting in the loss of valuable troops and resources. It served as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by German U-boats during the First World War and highlighted the vulnerability of troop transport ships in wartime. There are more details on the lead up and the sinking of the SS Royal Edward here, The Last Voyage.

"I am getting on quite alright. We don't hear much news here. Dear Mother I have a bit of bad news poor Frank was killed by a stray shot. All the others Edgar, Wallie, Harry + Bert are quite safe." 

Lionel King, 30th August 1915

"I am pleased to say that I am quite well. I received a letter from Auntie this morning also one from Nellie. Edgar + the other boys are all quite well. It is fairly hot out here + we have got plenty of flies. I hope you are all well at home."  

Lionel King, 1st September 1915

"I wonder if I shall be home for Christmas. We don't get much war news out here. Wouldn't it be a great setup to all if this terrible war would end. I pray to God it won't last much longer. We are all terrified to death out here by flies. We have jam for tea + we have to wave our hands over it while we put it in our mouths. I will have hundreds of things to tell you if please God I get back safe. I hope Freddie doesn't get to daring with the motor. I am glad Fred wasn't old enough to be a soldier. We had some flour issued out the other day + I made some pan cakes but they were nothing like yours. Up to yesterday we had all our food issued out + we cooked it ourselves but now we have a company cook. I have only tasted bread 3 times since I have been out here. Our chief food consists of tea, biscuits, bully beef, bacon + jam. We don't wash very often, I haven't washed for 5 days now. The chaps are happy enough though. I had a shave today being Sunday. I wish they would have a service out here. I'm sure the men would appreciate it." 

Lionel King, 5th September 1915

"I feel proud of you, to think you are brave man + a soldier + that you have already done some fighting, you went into action quicker than you thought you would, you did not have your fortnight acclimation did you." 

Florence King, 6th September 1915

"Please to say that I am quite well, Edgar being the same. I hope you are all quite well at home. Have you sent me out anything yet. We are right away from civilization & cannot buy a thing. I should be please if you could send me out some tinned goods such as sardines, herrings in tomato sauce & fish paste, also some chocolate. I know it will cost a lot to send out but you will know at least I shall appreciate them more than anything under the present circumstances. We are also very short of writing material out here. He best way to send the parcel would be to sew it up in a white cloth. I have got no more to write about. I wish I had for I like writing home more than anything I hope it won’t be long before I am home, until then I live in hope. God bless you all." 

Lionel King, 22nd September 1915

"Edgar went into hospital yesterday. He got a rash all over his body. I don't think it is anything serious."

 Lionel King, 18th October 1915

"I am quite well. Edgar is still in hospital, he has got Catarrhal Jaundice, whatever that might be." 

Lionel King, 21st October 1915

"Just a line to let you know I am getting on fairly well but still rather weak. You might send any letters you have for me to above address also if you have received and cigarettes from home you might try and send them. Cairo is a very large place but I cannot tell you much about it as it was very dark when I arrived last night. You can see the Pyramids from some of the windows." 

Edgar Bigg, 31st October 1915, Red Cross Hospital, Cairo, Egypt

The trenches and the gullies that battalion occupied started to be name after places back home, three gullies were called WEST HAM SOUTH and NORTH and UPTON PARK which lead southwards in to AUSTRALIA VALLEY. 

Shrapnel and snipers were two of the most deadly hazards in the trenches on Gallipoli but also were the varying sicknesses that the men suffered due to the heat and the harsh conditions. Every day while on the peninsular men would be sent to hospital due to sickness, often in the double figures. Men would suffer from sun stroke, diarrhea, scabies, trench foot and yellow jaundice. Ten men died from sickness in the first year of their service abroad. 

"The country is every yard a veritable death-trap of ravines and rock. Of course the latter affords splendid cover, and, needless to say, it is where we spend most of our time - and enemy snippers, too. those snippers paint themselves green, pack up enough grub for a month, and prowl round at night and finish up for good about two two days later, through the efforts of some venturesome Australian." Private Con Grange

"We find it difficult to rest during the day on account of the flies, which are a perfect nuisance here, and in the evening we are troubled with snippers, bombs, etc., but are getting quite used to this sort of thing now, but shall be more than pleased when the war is ended, and we return to our wives or parents." 

Sergeant John Howard Philip Brady

"I am writing this letter at the Base Hospital. I am here with the same complaint as Edgar's got, commonly known as 'Yellow Janders'. I am feeling fairly weak + the white of my eyes have turned yellow. I don't think it is anything to worry about. I am going away from here tomorrow to one of the hospitals off the peninsular (I don't know how to spell it). I believe Edgar must have gone off as I have been here since Friday + have seen nothing of him. I have had no letters now for over a week. I daresay I shall lose all letters and parcels while I'm away. The parcels are shared amongst the company, you will know the things sent aren't wasted. Dear Mother still address letters as usual for I don't suppose I shall be away long. It's great being down here, no one to worry you + all the food is brought to you + the Red Cross fellows are very kind. I am on light diet. I get arrowroot for breakfast, rice for dinner + milk for tea. I will write as often as I can + will try + let you know where I am. Dear Mother I am enclosing a couple of slips I thought you would like to read. I have just had dinner, I had chicken broth + some arrowroot. We are right on the beach here. Plenty of sand etc. How are you all at home? I hope you are all quite well. I wish all this was over so, as I could see you all again. Well one thing while I'm in hospital I shall be away from shot + shell."  

Lionel King, 1st November 1915

NEWS OF "THE SIXTH" - SHRAPHEL DOESN'T INTEREST HIM NOW - GREEN SNIPERS

We have received the following letter from Pte. C. Grange, 4238, "A" Company 6th Essex Regiment, British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, dated August 30th:-

Dear Sir, Am sure all our friends and relatives will welcome news from us out here. As you will already have heard, we recieved our baptism of lyddite immedialely on landing, and since then we have had a high old time. It's a curious sort of feeling when one first goes under fire. just imagine that someone is trying to smash you to atoms, and succeeds in killing a pal beside you. well, that is really what happens, so I expect and hope that I shall be forgiven if I say I trembled, and felt like a kid for about four hours. However, the feeling soon wears off, and now shrapnel, etc., doesn't interest me at all, and my comrades cook their meals and chatter just as they did at camp when they were only "Saturday night soldiers." That slur is surely wiped out by the heroism out here. Operations out here are far different, I should imagine, from those in France. The country is every yard a veritable death-trap of ravines and rock. Of course the latter affords splendid cover, and , needless to say, it is where we spend most of our time - and enemy snippers, too. those snippers paint themselves green, pack up enough grub for a month, and prowl round at night and finish up for good about two two days later, through the efforts of some venturesome Australian. The Australians are fine specimens of men. When they shake hands with us we feel as a suckling infant compaired with 'em. they roam aimlessly round the firing line with a rifle slung round their backs. wearing knickers and a slouch hat, fearing nobody, and , strange to say, they seldom get hurt, or anyhow, round our neighbourhood. Well I'm afraid this is getting a bit too much for the censor. Please let our friends in Stratford know that we are keeping up the traditions of a fine regiment, though we have suffered somewhat heavily. If anybody at home feels a bit generous, they will greatky aid us by sending the "Stratford Express," or any local news by letter. Acid tablets and cigarettes are as good as machine guns here, so powerful are the results. Well, good luck to all at home, wishing you all luck and success is the sincere wish of yours faithfully,

CON. GRANGE

N.B. - If anyone at home cares to write to me, I shall only be too pleased to correspond if they enclose writing material for a reply.

Stratford Express

WAR NEWS & LETTERS - SERGT J BRADY

Sergt. J. Brady, "A" Company 1-6th Essex, writing from the British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, says:-

I have much pleasure in informing you that I am still alive, and hope to return to dear old England some day. I shall never forget the first day we went into action. What a sight! Of course we lost some, but thank God not so many as we might have done. We are resting to-day (September 1st), and expect to be in the thick of it again tomorrow, and hope we shall do as well as we did before. We find it differcult to rest during the day on account of the flies, which are a perfect nuisance here, and in the evening we are troubled with snippers, bombs, etc., but are getting quite used to this sort of thing now, but shall be more than pleased when the war is ended, and we return to our wives or parents. God only knows when that will be, but some of us will be spared to tell the tale. I begin to feel a bit seedy now after 24-years service, but must stick it now at any price. all the "boys" (like myself) wish you well, and hope to meet you again. How are Stratford and Forest Gate looking? Good old England. . . We don't have any concerts out here except the mules, which give way to their feelings during the night.

THE JOYS OF GALLIPOI

Mr. J. Hare, of the stores department of the G.E.R. Works, Stamford, has received an interesting letter from Q.M.S. R. A. Middleton of the 1-6th Essex, who is a clerk in the same department. Writing from Egypt, Q.M.S. Middleton writes:-

I has left the land of soot and shell, and can tell you I was not sorry, for sixteen weeks night and day under fire is rather trying to one's nerves, to say nothing of the hardships. Speaking of hardships, I would not have believed that men could go through them if I had not seen them myself. What with going without a wash or shave for three or four weeks, and then washing in a cup, I should have had to run rather hard to get by a barber's shop. It was very hot when we landed, also hot from little pieces of something flying through the air; in fact, before we left the big boat for the small ones a flying machine started dropping some fireworks. So you see the Turks gave us a warm reception. On land every drop of water and all food had to be carried either by hand or mules driven by natives from India, in fact, I was getting an Indian myself with the lingo. They were a nice lot of fellows, and had plenty of pluck. They did not mind the lead, in fact I got quite used to it myself, and expect that when I come home to England and it is foggy on the line I shall lie flat on the ground through sheer force of habit.

In a further letter Q.M.S. Middleton says: The 1st-6th Essex have done their duty and I am proud to belong to them although we have been forgotten by the West Ham people, and the Mayor's Battalions praised up. I see by the papers at last they do know there is a West Ham Battalion at the front, viz., the 1st-6th Essex.