Unit Diary update - 26 November - snow

On 26 November the 'silent ruse' commenced. Orders were for no firing, no bomb throwing and no periscope rifles during the evening of 26 November. This was a start of a new pattern of engagement which was designed to set the scene for the withdrawal of allied troops from the Dardanelles.

The 2nd Brigade unit diary records the weather on 26 November in the evening as 'very squally'. Light rain began at about 5pm and as the temperature dropped this turned to sleet and later snow. This weather was very cold for our men. The 5th Battalion were 'well covered' - but essentially still camping, the 8th were in partial dug-outs and the 6th and 7th Battalions were only under waterproof sheets and blankets. Trench boots and capes were not yet issued to the men.

AWM image ref: P00046.040

Gallipoli Peninsular - photograph probably taken during the bad weather of 26-30 November 1915

Around 200 British soldiers froze to death at Suvla Bay during this blizzard. Between 30 November and 8 December, over 15,500 men were evacuated from the Gallipoli peninsular due to illness and medical conditions brought on by the terrible weather. At No 3 Australian General Hospital at Lemnos Island many lost feet and toes due to frostbite and gangrene.

In late November Athol was still stationed in the Maadi camp with the 5th Battalion's transport horses. He was not subjected to these dreadful conditions.