e result was that Battalion Headquarters found
themselves on _H.M.T. Osmanieh_ with about eleven hundred men of the
Royal Naval Division. The rest of the Battalion, which was only about
258 strong, was scattered over other ships, but very relieved to find
themselves where they were with a feeling of great safety, although in
reality the danger from enemy submarines was considerable. Luckily
nothing of this nature occurred and about 11 p.m. the first convoy of
transports sailed.

The parties which had been holding the front line trenches left their
positions at about 10 p.m. and, protected by rear parties, made their
way to the beaches. Embarkation throughout the entire night was carried
out without any interference by the Turk and about 2 a.m. everyone was
clear of the Peninsula and not a moment too soon, because the wind which
had disappeared during the earlier part of the night had now sprung up
and was blowing pretty fresh, which would have meant considerable
difficulty in embarkation if it had to be carried out later.

It was with very mixed feelings that we left Gallipoli. When we landed
in July it had been with the hope that we would be successful in driving
the Turk north from the positions which he held and even some had
pictured themselves taking part in a triumphal entry into
Constantinople. We had soon realised the impossibility of the situation
and in reality were glad to get away from the scene of so many
disappointments and hardships. Our greatest regret was the number of
officers and men whom we had left behind, and it seemed wrong that we
could not remain to avenge the sacrifice which they had made.

CHAPTER VI

MUDROS, CAIRO, SUEZ CANAL AND HILL 70 LINE.

In the early hours of the morning of 9th January the transports, which
contained the troops which had left in the first party from Gallipoli
the previous night, arrived at Mudros Bay. As explained in the last
chapter the Battalion was scattered throughout several ships and the
process of disembarkation was by no means easy. However, the Staff got
busy and lighters were soon arriving alongside the transports
disembarking the troops by divisions. The lighters then moved to
different parts of the shore where each division had a place of
rendezvous. The sorting out then commenced and with a certain amount of
confusion the battalions were ultimately assembled.

The 52nd Division was allotted a camping ground on the south side of the
bay, the