Topic: BatzG - Anzac
The Battle of Anzac Cove
Gallipoli, 25 April 1915
3rd Field Ambulance War Diary
War Diary account of the 3rd Field Ambulance, AIF.
The following is a transcription of the War Diary of the 3rd Field Ambulance, AIF, of their role in the landings at Anzac on 25 April 1915.
Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, April 24th - May 1st, 1915
This is a copy of the report furnished direct to the Assistant Director Medical Services by Captain Fry the senior officer of the Bearer Division, No. 3 Field Ambulance.
Report of 3rd Field Ambulance Bearer Division April 24th 1915 - May 1st 1915
24 April 1915
On April 24th 1915 at 10.30 pm the Bearer Division of the 3rd Field Ambulance - 3 Officers, Captain DMW White Commanding, and 114 men transhipped from HMT Devanha to Torpedo Boat HMS Ribble together with a company of the 12th Infantry Battalion.
25 April 1915
HMS Ribble on the left flank of flotilla approached the coast, where landing was made about 4.30 am. The disembarkation into the tows was made under rifle fire and two men were wounded on the Torpedo Boat and left behind. Section was in one boat and Captains Fry and Buchanan with "A" and "B" Sections in the other. Landing was effected under heavy shrapnel from direct fire under the sand banks at back of the beach and were shortly after enfiladed by a party of Turks along the curve of the beach. Fortunately their hits were not many and about twenty minutes later the enfilading party was driven back by a further landing party. For another hour it was impossible to more than attend to seriously wounded as heavy sniping was still coming down on our position. The coast being then moderately clear the men are set to work improving shelter to make collection with squads not needed at collecting posts scoured the country along the shore and up over the hills as far as possible. Our fighting forces were largely composed of scattered groups at the time, so thorough and systematic search was impracticable. Wounded were dressed and taken back to the collecting posts. By midday when the Officers returned to the station, about 100 cases had been collected. About 1.30 the left flank was retiring and it appeared that the position of our collecting post was in danger. The wounded were quickly evacuated to the main beach, the final patients being embarked on a boat sent by the Assistant Director Medical Services for the purpose. On the main beach till late in the evening Officers and men were assisting the 1st Clearing Hospital in dressing and evacuating wounded to the Hospital Ships. At the end of the day our casualties were reported 2 killed, 18 wounded and 4 missing.
26 April 1915
At 3 am the Ambulance was roused under orders to re-embark, and two stretcher squads went out and brought two wounded patiens who were reported. The re-embarkation order was countermanded short after. At 4 am Captain Buchanan went out with four stretcher squads near the head of Long Valley, rendering first aid at the firing line and sending back wounded. At 5 am Captain Fry followed up with four more squads, established a dressing station and worked further up the valley. When parties returned later in the morning the dressing station was handed over to Captain Thomson. Captain McWhae then went out with the majority of the squads of "B" and "C" Sections. They were detained for a short time in the valley by heavy shrapnel and then went on to 3rd Infantry Brigade Headquarters, where they worked that day and through the night. Captain Fry went out shortly after with sixteen stretchers and collected wounded from the left flank of the 3rd Infantry Brigade and from Captain Thomsons station. In the meantime Captain Buchanan received a call to 1st Infantry Brigade Headquarters and went up with two stretcher parties and brought back wounded. Our men were now worked to a stand still and a message asking for assistance was received from 1st Infantry Brigade headquarters. Application was made to Major Stokes of the 1st Field Ambulance and Captain Wassel went out with a section of stretcher bearers accompanied by Captain Buchanan as guide and Captain Fry. On the way a call to the 3rd Infantry Brigade headquarters was intercepted by the party and Captain Fry went up with two stretcher squads and brought back a wounded Officer. On return a further call to 2nd Infantry Battalion Headquarters was responded to and wounded evacuated. Our three Officers returned about 4 am. During the day our casualties were 1 killed and 1 wounded. 1 man missing on 25th turned up.
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, 3rd Field Ambulance, 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, 3rd Field Ambulance War Diary
Posted by Project Leader
at 12:01 AM EAST
Updated: Sunday, 11 April 2010 5:52 PM EADT
