BACK IN THE FIRING LINE – Sat 24 Jul 1915

Private E. H. Ely, who was wound at Gaba Tepa in April, has gone back to the front again, and writes thus to his relatives at. Harcourt from Lemnos on May 20th

I am in good health and on my way back to Dardanelles. Expect to get there tomorrow. Heard Colonel Gartside was killed at the battle of Creche, hope it is no true. Having splendid weather at present. Have not heard of Darby since April 24th. General Bridges died of his wounds last week. Cannot get any news of the other boys yet. Expect some of them have gone under. They have had pretty solid fighting.

We arrived here last night, and I think we go over to the Dardanelles on a destroyer to-day. We left Alexandria on Sunday, May 23rd, at 2.30; A couple of hours alter sailing a man went overboard, but was soon picked up. It will only take about two hours after sailing to get to the Dardanelles from here on a destroyer. I have not heard how the other boys fared. One chap told me he saw Colonel Gartside die of his wounds on the field on May 8th, at the battle of Creche, I hope it is not true. It will be very different landing this time to the first landing. Jack Hunter is on board here with our reinforcements. We are on board the —– , which was in the bay at Melbourne when we left and is now being used as a transport. Don’t know when I will be able to get a letter through. I

Somewhere, May 31st.—Just a line to let you know I am all right up to date. We are having, a rowdy time at present with the “Jack Johnsons” and the rifle firing going on constantly. We know what it is to have the shells bursting overhead, and also burying themselves close at hand in the ground. We were up in the support, trench the other night, but did not reach the firing line, cannot give you as much news as I would like to, as we are not allowed to give details. This is a fine country here. All small scrub and a few small pines and bush, like holly, and others too numerous to mention, came across some wild violet plants other morning when looking for wood to boil our dixies. We get issued two packets cigarettes and half a tin tobacco, also a box of matches weekly, We are faring pretty well as regards clothing and food. I cannot give you any news regarding our work here, but I hope to return, some day, and then I call give you all details. Captain Weddell was reported dead, but when I came back from hospital he was in charge of the battalion. I am in bonder health, and pretty fair spirits.