t the same
time, at the distance of a good many miles, what sounded like repeated
broadsides from warships. Probably the Australians are having a big
fight. Then at 7 a.m. ten or twelve rifle shots on the aerodrome
behind us took me up in a hurry, this being unusual. I half thought
they might be shooting a spy, but found some one had been blazing away
at some huge bird, either a vulture or an eagle. I watched its large
dark form as it flew towards X. Beach. Shrapnel and Jack Johnsons were
flying about in other parts during the day, but none near us.

Now for rumours--(1) the 29th Division is to be withdrawn for certain,
having done its bit out here. This is an old rumour which we still
doubt. I for one would be sorry were we withdrawn before seeing this
part of the campaign through. (2) The Russians are landing an army
north of Constantinople. (3) The Italians have landed at Rhodes, and
are to make a descent on Smyrna--the last two cheer us up.

Kellas and Agassiz had a quieter time at the dressing station than
yesterday's two. The latter returned about 8 and said "Arthur" was too
busy playing with a spider and he left him behind.

_June 13th._--Had a walk with the C.O. to the top of The Gully to find
a site for a new dressing station. We breakfasted at 7 as we wished to
cross the exposed piece of ground between this and Gully Beach. For
sometime back this has been a favourite mark for the Turkish guns, and
we thought the morning the most likely time to be allowed to pass
unnoticed. We were in the foot of The Gully before 8 o'clock. The
whole valley between this and Achi Baba was so quiet in the brilliant
sunshine that we remarked that it might have been a Sunday at home.
Near the top of The Gully we found Taylor of the 87th Field Ambulance
at breakfast and had a cup of tea with him. He came along with us to
find a suitable place, and one was fixed on, but I do not like it. In
my opinion it will be terribly exposed to a dropping fire, the
surroundings are not high enough to give much protection. The ground
is also much soiled--I preferred a small side gully but the C.O.
thought it unfeasible.

We called on Major Ward of the 88th F.A. who was also in the
neighbourhood. After much labour he has got an ideal spot, very safe,
and plainly made by a man of artistic tastes. He is as happy as a lark
up there with his camera, and is studying the birds and their nests.

Col. O'Hagan and Major Bell were next called on at Gu