best positions,
and possessing, as they do, a large number of machine-guns, the cost
in life entailed by an open attack would be very costly to us.

Three shells giving out coal-black smoke, and bursting with a terrific
crash, were fired at our beach to-day, but, as far as I know, without
damage. They all burst high in the air and with an unusual sound. (The
first of the "Black Marias" or "Jack Johnsons" although we had been
accustomed to other forms of high explosive shells.)

The following "special order" from General Sir Ian Hamilton of
to-day's date came this afternoon: "For the first time for eighteen
days it has been found possible to withdraw the 29th Division from the
fire fight. During the whole of that period of unprecedented strain
the Division has held ground or gained it, against the bullets and
bayonets of the constantly renewed forces of the foe. During the whole
of that long period they have been illuminating the pages of military
history with their blood. The losses have been terrible, but mingling
with the deep sorrow for fellow-comrades arises a feeling of pride in
the invincible spirit which has enabled the survivors to triumph where
ordinary troops must inevitably have failed. I tender to Major-General
Hunter-Weston and to his Division, at the same time my profoundest
sympathy and my warmest congratulations on their achievement."

"(Signed) IAN HAMILTON, _General_."

_May 13th._--Resting all day--but already have had enough of the
prescribed forty-eight hours' rest. It was besides rendered
uncomfortable by a very hot shelling in the afternoon. It is said the
Turks have placed a new disappearing gun in position, which is doing
this, and is firing high explosives with jet black smoke. They have
our range to an inch from Achi Baba. At least twenty-four shells were
fired at our Beach with a very creditable bag--three men killed, two
mortally wounded, twelve severely wounded, and about fifteen horses
and mules killed. I saw the remains of some poor brutes that had been
standing in a group when a shell fell among them. There was really
nothing left but a large red patch. Numerous pieces of shrapnel fell
among our tents. A piece whistled between Thomson and myself on our
way to attend a wounded officer near the lighthouse.

Later in the day I heard the Turk had got a larger mixed bag than I
have stated. I now hear as a fact that sixty-four horses and mules
were killed on ou