pyjamas reading
the _Bulletin_ and _Punch_, and swapping lies.

The New Zealanders held a concert here one night. Major Johnston, the
O.C., filled the position of chairman, the chair being a cask. One man
with a cornet proved a good performer; several others sang, while some
gave recitations. We all sat round in various places in the gully, and
joined in the choruses. It was very enjoyable while it lasted; but, as
darkness came on, rifle-fire began on the tops of the surrounding
hills--also, occasionally, shell fire. This completely drowned the
sound of the performers' voices, and the concert had to be brought to
a close; Abdul had counted us out.

PREPARING FOR THE ADVANCE

Towards the end of July great preparations were made for an offensive
movement, the object being to take Hill 971 and so turn the Turk's
right. Large platforms were dug out of the hillsides in Monash Gully,
each capable of holding three to five hundred men; they were
constructed well below the sky line, and were fairly secure from shell
fire. On these the incoming battalions were placed. There was not much
room for sleep, but the main object seemed to be to have as many men
handy as possible. The Turks seemed to be aware of the influx of
troops, as they shelled the whole position almost all night. The
beach, of course, was attended to most fervently, but considering the
numbers of men landing few casualties occurred.

A 4.7 naval gun, which, I understand, had served in the relief of
Ladysmith, was swathed in bags and landed on a barge, which conveyed
it to a position alongside the pier. A party was put on to make a
shield on the pier of boxes of our faithful friends the
"forty-niners," in case there were any Turks of an enquiring turn of
mind along the beach towards Suvla.

The Engineers then constructed a landing place, and the gun was hauled
ashore, again covered up, and conveyed to its position on our right
during the night. General Birdwood outwitted the Turks that time, as
they did not fire a shot during the whole operation.

On the third of August we received orders to remove to the left flank,
the right being held by the Australian Division which participated in
the operation known afterwards as Lone Pine. The last day on the beach
proved to be pretty hot with shelling, chiefly from Beachy Bill. A
number of pinnaces were busy all day towing in barges from the
transports, and this could be easily seen from the olive grove where