flags flying
from the parapet of the enemy front line trenches. Soon there commenced
a heavy bombardment of Russell's Top and a heavier one of the Lone Pine
position. At this latter place serious casualties were suffered by the
6th Brigade. Many men were buried alive by the collapse of the covered
saps. Part of the 7th Brigade was sent up as a reinforcement and to
assist in the restoration of the works.

[Illustration: THE TRENCHES ON RUSSELL'S TOP.
_Map by Australian War Museum._]

Happy Valley received many of the "overs" intended for Russell's Top and
also much spent shrapnel. Little or no damage was done.

Noon of Sunday, the 6th December, witnessed the coming into action of
the much talked-of German guns. Heavy and ear-splitting crashes in the
direction of old No. 2 Post attracted attention and the observer saw
geyser-like columns of earth ascending. Seemingly the enemy was
endeavouring to reach the headquarters of the N.Z. and A. Division, but
his shells either fell short or, unfortunately, went in amongst the
marquees of the 13th Casualty Clearing Station, which was situated
near-by. Men could be seen running for cover, some bearing in their
arms, or on their backs, other men who were unable to help themselves.
Many, already wounded, were killed in their beds.

On the 3rd December a conference took place on Walker's Ridge between
the Army Commander and the Corps, Division, and Brigade Commanders, at
which the C.O. was present. The 2nd Division was now commanded by
Brig.-General W. Holmes in place of Major-General Legge who, in
ill-health, had left the Peninsula towards the end of November. General
Godley had taken General Birdwood's post, the latter having moved to
Imbros to assume direction of the whole of the forces on the Peninsula,
which were now grouped as the "Dardanelles Army." At this conference
certain special defence measures were discussed and a plan of relief
decided upon whereby the 26th Battalion was to be replaced by the 28th.

During the day following, "A" Company moved up. "D" Company left Happy
Valley on the 6th, Headquarters and "B" Company on the 7th, and "C"
Company made the Battalion complete on the 8th. Lieut. Shaw took over
charge of all the machine guns in the position. There were two reasons
for the time taken over this relief. The first, the difficult approach
to and intricate nature of the defences; and, secondly, the necessity of
withdrawing men gradually from the beach fatigues