Topic: BatzG - Anzac
The Battle of Anzac Cove
Gallipoli, 25 April 1915
12th Infantry Battalion War Diary
The following is a transcription of the War Diary of the 12th Infantry Battalion, AIF, of their role in the landings at Anzac on 25 April 1915.
War Diary Appendix IV
12th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade
Account of Action, 25th April 1915
Anzac Cove, Gallipoli Peninsula
Owing to the 12th Infantry Battalion being distributed amongst the three other Battalions of the Brigade, no organisation on landing was possible. The following account had been compiled from information received from the various Companies:-
The Battalion as shown in Appendix 3 landed about 4.10 am on the morning of the 25th April 1915 at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli Peninsula. While loading from destroyers to boats we were heavily shelled from Kaba Tepe and on landing met heavy machine gun and rifle fire from the direction of Fisherman's Hut. Large number of casualties on and before landing. The order of landing from left to right was Headquarters and "A" Company, "D", "B", "C".
"A" Company with two platoons "D" Company pushed forward to 1st Ridge Square 224 H1 - Enemy encountered - bayonet charge made - enemy retired from their trenches, to ridge 1,000 yards away - we pursued and opened fire 350 yards from Ridge. Here Colonel LF Clarke, Commanding Officer, was killed while writing message. Major CH Willmot also wounded. Captain Lalor "D" Company took command - pushed forward over ridge - Enemy discovered in strong force attempting to get round our flank. We retired but meeting reinforcements from 2nd Battalion advanced again. Eventually forced to fall back on to defensive line which was being built up. Captain Lalor and Lieutenant Patterson were killed during the advance with 2nd Infantry Battalion.
Remaining 2 Platoons of "D" Company sent to right flank by Captain Ross to assist in repelling counter attack. Reinforced by 7th Infantry Battalion and moved further to the right and joined 9th Infantry Battalion. The extreme right at 2 pm was enfiladed by enemies artillery but no ground was lost. Remnant retired to beach during night.
"B" Company. Two platoons under Major Smith went forward to centre of position. No.'s 5/8 were sent out to left. Reached Square 224 R 5 at about 9 am and reinforced 10th Infantry Battalion who were occupying enemy's trench. Opened fire on enemy advancing up gully and held position till 8 pm, relieved by 4th Infantry Brigade and retired to beach. Losses heavy owing to being enfiladed by enemy's artillery from the left.
"C" Company under Captain Whitham were sent out to extreme right flank to reinforce 9th Infantry Battalion pushed forward and met enemy about Square 224 S5 retired to ridge Square 224 R7 during this action Lieutenant Munro killed. Captain Witham wounded . Remained in position all night retired to beach 9 am on 26th.
E Hilmer Smith
Lieutenant Colonel
Officer Commanding 12th Infantry Battalion
War Diaries
All War Diaries cited on this site should be read in conjunction with the Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, AIF War Diaries of the Great War, Site Transcription Policy which may be accessed at:
Australian Light Horse Studies Centre, AIF War Diaries of the Great War, Site Transcription Policy
Further Reading:
The Battle of Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, 25 April 1915
The Battle of Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, 25 April 1915, 12th Infantry Battalion, Roll of Honour
The Battle of Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, 25 April 1915, 3rd Infantry Brigade, Roll of Honour
The Battle of Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, 25 April 1915, AIF, Roll of Honour
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: The Battle of Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, 25 April 1915, 12th Infantry Battalion War Diary