On the back of this postcard he sent to Molly on 7 February 1915, Malone wrote: ‘I often see this Canal. There are soldiers all along it now – forts and trenches – all sorts of soldiers. Big steamer ships go thro’, but they have sand bags on the bridge so that the Turks won’t shoot the Captain. Love Daddy’.
Malone Family Collection London
The message on Malone’s postcard to Molly of 7 February 1915.
Malone Family Collection London
Gurkhas and Wellington Battalion men with Indian camel corps personnel, El Kubri 1915.
Hampton Album, Alexander Turnbull Library
Word has just come in that the Turks are retiring. Pursuit is out of the question, so sit tight will be the order of the day.
February 14th 1915
... I have got an attack of dysentery myself. Home says it is caused by swallowing fine sand.... I am not going on sick list. Have put myself on bread and milk and less work. Most of us think the Turks have had enough and won’t come again.
[MSX 2545]
February 15th 1915
All quiet. Foggy early morning. Later hot and sunny. The flies a d—d nuisance. I swat them in my spare moments. Still on bread and milk and less work. Home gave me a dose of castor oil and approves my own treatment.
February 16th 1915
I am quite all right again. Home last night gave me to take 2 sorts of tablets. I took neither!
We got news yesterday that some 40,000 Turks are supposed to be concentrating right east of our Section of the Canal Defence, and that they have abandoned the idea of further attacks north and will try and cross the Canal here, El Kubri – Suez. We are very pleased to hear it. Things were beginning to get monotonous. The G.O.C. of the whole Canal Defences, Genl Wilson, had a meeting at Suez yesterday. Probably more troops will be sent here. We look forward cheerfully to the Turk’s attack. They are about 40 miles away, so it will be 3 or 4 days before they come, that is if they do come!
This afternoon I visited El Kubri Redoubt and had a pow-wow with Col Taylor O/C outposts re change of garrison etc. I had a look round the fortifications, which are much improved. Taylor spoke highly of the Taranaki Coy who are in the El Kubri Redoubt where Taylor has his HQ. I saw Brunt. He is working his men hard I am glad to say. As they change back to the West Bank trenches tomorrow, they are giving a farewell concert to the Gurkhas, their comrades in the Redoubt.
I and Ackland [sic, Acland31], our A.S.C. officer, went over to the Concert. We walked crossing the new bridge over the Sweet Water Canal. We crossed the Canal in a small boat to the Redoubt. There in a good big hollow level central place a wrestling mat had been pegged out, at one side a camp or bon fire, had been built and was burning gaily. Sand bag traverse, parapets and natural mounds of clay etc, rendered the spot fairly safe against rifle fire, if such came along. In a big circle, were the Taranaki Coy of New Zealanders, a company of 7th Gurkhas, some Lancashire Territorial Artillery men, some men of wars’ men off the Ocean, all mixed up in friendly conclave....
Indian camelry at a supply depot, El Kubri. Men of the Wellington Battalion can be seen in the background.
Malone Family Collection London
A photograph by Malone of his horses, Billy and Don in the Egyptian countryside. The officer in the photograph is Captain Charles Cook with whom Malone went riding. Cook replaced Coningham as Malone’s staff officer at El Kubri.
Malone Family Collection London
February 20th 1915
The distant reconnaissance towards NekHL32 has gone out so in a few days we ought to know whether the Turks have really cleared from these parts.
Beer. I am troubled with the question of supply of beer to the men. The G.O.C. thinks as the men get no leave to go into Suez, that they ought to be able to get beer in camp. So far as I know none of us had wanted it but if the Turks have cleared out, the men will get sick of the position and seek to get into Suez. So maybe it will be better to arrange for them to get good beer, under strict control, in limited quantity. I am having a conference of Unit Commanders to settle the control question....
Cook and I explored the West bank of the Sweet Water Canal to the north. Don and Billy objected to 2 young camels that were tethered on the Canal path. Billy snorted away and finally got into a ditch close to the path and Cook had to roll off. Billy cleared off back to camp in great style, the sight of an odd camel here and there kept him going as though Old Nick were after him, instead of me. I fetched Billy back and as Cook wouldn’t let me try and ride him past the camels, got off Don, led him and also Billy (Cook kicking it on) past the camels. It wasn’t as easy as it reads. Don is a philosopher. He was bad enough at first but has now just about made up his mind that “frightfulness” of camels, donkeys, mules, Lancers, Indians, Arabs and Egyptians is unnecessary.
February 21st 1915
Sunday. Mass at 6.30am. Very cold....
...Cook and I rode into Suez as I wanted to visit our sick in the hospital and also see a dentist as one of my teeth is giving me notice of trouble. We have 33 sick New Zealanders in the hospital, measles, dysentery, pneumonia, pleurisy, typhoid fever etc. Mrs Home33 was hard at work....
All our men are very much afraid that they will be put into the Reinforcements and left at the Base, when they leave hospital. They want to rejoin their Battalions in the trenches. We did our best to reassure them. Mrs Home asked us to lunch at the Hotel Bel–Air (close to the hospital) where she stops. We were quite a party Mrs Home, Dr Home, Major Hart, Cook and I. The change was much appreciated. The butter was A1. At camp we have tinned butter and it is very so so ....
February 22nd 1915
A hot day. Flies as usual. 2 aeroplanes went roaring overhead this morning. How I would like a flight in one. It must be lovely. We expect a NZ mail today. Our two objects in life at present are to get a smack at the Turks and to get our home letters.
February 23rd 1915
The NZ mail went through here today. Our Postal Clerk was prevented by order from Ismailia from getting our share of it and we shall now have to wait 60 hours (2 1/2 days). It is too bad. I have written a strong letter of complaint to our AQMG and to our Chief Postal Officer and mean to follow the matter up. A fortnight ago we got our mail without delay and there can be no reason why we should not have repeated the performance. Some d—d red tape I suppose. It is very exasperating to know that your letters are being carried right past you unnecessarily and will be delayed for 2 1/2 days.
The sun gets more power every day and the flies consequently swarm En Suite.34 I wage war rigorously. General Melliss got me to meet him at Gare 152, with a spare horse. He arrived by motorboat from Suez at 3.30pm. I had an awfully hot ride to meet him. I rode right alongside the Suez Canal. Lots of the men were enjoying a swim. I envied them. The General came to take, as he said, a last ride along our defences. We are all off back to Zeitoun on Friday. The Turks have retired a long way off and Genl Godley is anxious to get us back so that he can carry on Divisional training. Genl Melliss told me that he was very sorry that we were going and that he had intended to make me O/C of the Out Posts, that is the 5 Redoubts on the East Bank of the Canal and to put all the New Zealanders here (2 Battalions) and some of the Indian troops to occupy them. The change to take place next week. I felt greatly honoured and told him so. He said some nice things. It would have been a grand change, though of course a greater responsibility. And then if only the Turks came on again: we should have had a great time. In any case the change would have been enjoyable for me especially. Ships pass every day and sea bathing at one’s tent door almost. If the Turks do come on again Genl Melliss will ask for us specially as reinforcements.
After our ride of inspection, he came to camp and had some tea and I then rode with him into Suez to the dentist. This about 6pm. The Genl asked me to stay to dinner, which I did. As I had to see the Dentist, again I stayed at the Hotel Bel Air the night. I couldn’t sleep for the strangeness of a bedroom and the closeness of it. I quite wished I had gon
e out and back....
February 25th 1915
A visit to the dentist in the morning and then I rode out from Suez with the Genl [Melliss] to his Brgde HQ and then on to El Kubri. I got him to tell me of his war service and of a most exciting lion hunt, when he got badly mauled by a lion. He had a marvellous escape.... I am sorry we are leaving his command. He very kindly published in last night’s orders a most complimentary reference to me and all my officers, NCOs and men and our work under him. His S.O. [Staff Officer] told me that he wrote it himself. We go to Zeitoun tomorrow by 4 trains. Very hot in the sun today.
Our mail arrived and there were three letters from Mater, one from Harry Penn and some from Denis and Barney. I was delighted and Mater says she is bringing Norah and the three little ones to England. I think she is quite right. It will give Norah and the little ones a better chance in this world to be broader minded etc etc. It will be strange if Mater and they go through the Canal, which we have been guarding and may yet guard again. But perhaps she will think the Canal not safe and go direct. I am very anxious to know whether she has sailed. If she comes via the Canal soon I shall most likely be able to see her at Suez or Port Said. What joy that would be. It is rumoured that we may go to attack Constantinople – that 68 transports are now waiting in Alexandria.
February 26th 1915
We entrained stock, lock and barrel or rather men, horses, vehicles, tents, ammunition etc, etc. Everything complete, in 4 trains, getting off. One train per hour punctually. We loaded up the last train in 25 minutes.... We got to Helmieh at 5.20pm, and by 7pm we were all settled down again in our old lines. I heard that we are off again, probably to Constantinople way, within 10 days.
Wellington infantrymen watch a vessel steam through the Suez Canal. Malone wished his wife would travel through the canal on her way to England so he could see her after nearly six months apart.
Morison Album, Alexander Turnbull Library
February 27th 1915
Busy re-squaring up our lines again. I had the reinforcements for my Regiment out for inspection. I gave them a good look over, then saw them drill a bit, and wound up by making them “attack” as a Company over about a mile of the desert. It was very hot and very dusty and they got a good gruelling. I was pleased with them and told them so. They were out some 5 hours, and got a surprise. Their officers said they thought they were only to be inspected. I asked them what they expected. Inspection to my mind meant finding out what they could do and how they did it. Their idea was that I would just walk up and down, look at them and then dismiss them! Not by long chalks! They are much better than I expected.
In the afternoon squared up camp and gave general leave....
[MSX 2550]
Zeitoun
27.2.15
My dear Harry [Penn],
...I am back here, after a month away helping defend the canal. Rules of censorship prevent me giving any details. The Turks seem to have retired for good, so we have come back to our Brigade and Division. You will probably have got some news of what has been going on from the newspapers. I don’t understand the censor’s rules here – so far as they relate to things which are public property, per the Press or otherwise. Still we are to give no information of a military nature and may be we are not able to distinguish between what is permissible and what not. I am very fit and well.
I cabled you last night. “Thoroughly approve England. Cable steamer and date leaving” which means that I quite agree with Mater’s proposal and your approval. I don’t know when we go to France, and we have not finished with the Turks yet. Before you get this you will I think have heard of our movements etc.
Mater said you would cable me when she was nearing the voyage end. Well I hope she hasn’t gone through the canal yet, and that I may have the chance to see her at Suez or Port Said. The canal is safe for ships, or at least the passengers and the danger to any one very remote, because the authorities at each end know what is going on, and time the passage to suit. Yes, we are getting a most interesting experience, and I do like the work. One is of some use, even though small to the country. As to the seriousness of the position, you are quite right and it is astounding to think that people do not grasp it....
Egypt is a wonderful country. It only wants wood and water. The land of marvellous fertility, 3 crops a year. Price £250 per acre. Talk about Waimate Plains land at £80 – after that if you can. The fellahaheen are patient, industrious (in a slow old-fashioned way) and generally (now) contented people, well made and good looking, that is the men and children; you can’t see the women – for shawls and veils, mostly black.
The Arabs too are a fine race physically, that is the country people, except those from the deserts. They, the latter, are on the verge of starvation and are lean, smaller people. Cairo is a vicious place – a sink of iniquity.
Our New Zealanders gain good opinions everywhere and from all sorts. The Australians don’t! We have had joined to us an Australian Brigade of Infantry and one of Light Horse and form with a Division of all Australian troops, a New Zealand and Australian Army Corps. General Birdwood, Commander, one of Kitchener’s men. General Godley is our Divisional Commander.35 I think our New Zealand Infantry Brigade is the pick of the lot! The whole is a very fine body of men – but soldiers – Haldane36 to the contrary notwithstanding – are not made under our circumstances in six months.
I inspected today the reinforcements to my Regiment that arrived about four weeks ago. They have only just joined us on our return. I am pleased to find that they are really good – some of them a bit old and stiff – for privates. A good chap as regards drill has been working them and that makes all the difference.
I am glad that Taranaki has a good season. I hope that you and Charlie are not too much bothered with my affairs. It is awfully good of you and him to look after them.
With love to you all and kind remembrance to all friends.
Yours sincerely,
Wm.G. Malone
[MSX 2545]
February 28th 1915
Sunday. Very hot in the sun and dusty, dreadfully so. Mass in the SA hut. Lunch with Genl and Lady Godley at Heliopolis House Hotel. They are both looking very well. There were 4 Australian Lt Colonels also at the lunch, from the Australian Infantry Brigade, that now forms part of the NZ Division. I was not taken by them. The Genl was very pleasant and asked me all about my Detachment at Kubri.
Afternoon tea at NZ Div HQ, by invitation with Capt Coningham who was my 1st SO at Kubri. He showed me two photos of his wife in England. She looks very nice. In the evening I called on Mr and Mrs Williams who live quite close to camp. They are both converts to the Catholic church. I met the new Catholic chaplain there, Fr Richards who came with the last reinforcements. Fathers McMenamin and Dore37 were there also. I don’t altogether care about the cut of Fr Richards jib.38 Looks more like a coml [commercial] traveller or actor than a priest and is a bit fat looking which I suppose prejudices me. I had great trouble this morning over the Protestant church service. For the first time the arrangements orders were left to Battalion Commanders. I promptly ordered separate service for each denomination. Hitherto Divisional HQ have ordered Bde “combined” service to which willy-nilly all Protestants had to go.
I strongly hold the view that every man has a right to go to a service of his particular denomination and cannot be compelled to go to any other. But the Protestant church authorities in New Zealand for some time have been joining in combined or united services (and by the way reflecting adversely on the Catholics for refusing to “combine”) so that now when the different Protestant ministers asked the Genl to order separate services, he refused saying that what they did in New Zealand, they can, should and must the more easily do here and that the Catholics are the only ones who can have a separate service. It was case of being “hoist with ones own petard”! Still the Genl seems to have overlooked the fact that the individual soldier has his rights and that whatever the parsons did or do does not bind the individual, es
pecially as I pointed out to the Wesleyan parson (Luxford)39 who is in my Regiment, the Protestant religions are based on the right of “private judgement” in religious matter.
Some men and officers object strongly to being compelled to go to the “combined” service and to there being no provision for denominational church service.
On my order for such service Maj Luxford (Wesleyan minister) who claims to be Senior Chaplain of the Forces, saw me and objected to the order, and claimed the right to hold the combined service, and said I was squashing Gen Godley’s arrangements. Could he see the Genl? I promptly repudiated the squashing and told Luxford he was not to go near the Genl with any complaint behind my back. He could lodge a complaint through me, against me to my Brigadier and if he had any complaint against the Brigadier he could then go to the Genl through the Brigadier. Result he caved in, and the separate services were held, much I think to everybody’s pleasure except Major Luxford’s. He is quite unsuited for his job. I am going to keep him up to his regimental work. He runs about too much to Cairo and everywhere, except our own lines.
Luxford described this day as the ‘most unhappy Sunday I have had since leaving home.’ He complained to Malone there were not enough tents available for each denomination to hold a service indoors, and by the time it came for Luxford to hold his church parade it ‘was blowing an awful gale’. Luxford stated that he could not hold a church parade outside in such conditions; in response Malone dismissed his concerns, but later McDonnell came to see him and arranged for Luxford to use one of the mess tents. On 1 March Luxford went to see Malone, who complained bitterly about the persecution of Roman Catholics and told Luxford that he would not reconsider his decision. Luxford then privately complained to Colonel Chaytor who told him to write to Malone formally saying he wished to discuss the matter with Chaytor. [John A. Luxford diary, 28 Feb and 1 Mar 1915, MS-Papers – 4454-2, ATL.]
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