Edmond came to see me yesterday. He came from Egypt two days ago. He looks well and glad to be here. Terry got wounded about end of May, in leg and arm. He is now out of Hospital at Cairo, convalescing at the home of Sir Alex Baird, at Matarieh near Zeitoun. He will have a good time, plenty of motor cars. I didn’t say anything before. I wanted to say he was all right which he is. You must not worry about me, if you hear nothing it means good news. You are bound to get word at once if I get hit, so until you hear be content and confident. Worry is no good my dearest. I think it will not be very long now before we meet. We are, I think, sure to have a short visit to England before we go to Flanders or France....
And so Jessie Brown (Childs that was) has been to see you. I was very fond of the Sam Childs as we called them. She is one of them. But I thought her husband was dead. Has she married again? You speak of her husband as tho’ he were alive. I back you to be right in your opinion of Mrs G.V.31 In any case she is a German and would be no good if not true to her race. Still she must now be honourably neutral, or else go back to Germany.
...Hampton Court must have been lovely. Next time, you and I will do the Pictures by ourselves tho’ my beloved I am sure that I shall only want to look at and be with you. There is nothing so lovely in my eyes. I shall feast them soon I hope. As I write your dear photo, is within 8 inches of my hand and I look at you every time I lift my eyes from writing. It is always there on my escritoire! Part of my act of war, the cultivation of domestic virtues. But all the same this would be no place for you in proprie persona,32 and I wouldn’t have you here, if I could. That doesn’t read nicely, but you know what I mean. My work here has to be done. Your photo, calms and helps me. Your person would distract me. I am only human, and if you were here, it would be all you ... [illegible]. The lovely photos taken in Wgton told me that, but Norah’s snap shows that it is absolutely so. I am so glad. But I hope you won’t think I am too dreadfully old. I feel young thank God. The dry climate suits me, and I think I was never better in my life.
Major Hart is in England somewhere. He was wounded on 27th April, sent to Cairo, and on 9th Ulto to England as his wound wouldn’t heal in the heat of Egypt. He was shot in the thigh. He is a good fellow, and chafes I know at not being back sooner. You might try and see him, probably the High Comn for NZ could give you his address. We hadn’t heard until lately that he got a DSO. We get very little news here. I wrote to him c/o the High Comn on 20th Ulto, congratulating him, if it were true we had a rumour of it. I miss him very much, but my officers as well as my men have all turned up trumps. I am sorry to say I don’t get on with my Brigadier (Col F.E. Johnston) and our Brigade Major (Temperley). They think I am a nuisance, because I have an opinion of my own and do not slavishly toady to them. All the worse for me. If I want telephones, machine guns, work done, water, things for my men, I will not take no for an answer and keep on until I get what I want. But that is not the way of what we call the “Imperial Army”. There apparently the junior officer always takes no for an answer. Because I insisted on having the Brigadier’s refusal to give me certain men for special work, referred to the General for his decision, I was called “extremely insubordinate”. I insisted and had the matter out before the General, and told him straight that the Brigadier seemed to try and thwart me whenever he could, and didn’t treat me fairly, and that I had got to the point of asking to be relieved of my command in the Brigade and to be given another job! The General was very nice, as he can be. Since then the Brigadier has become a different being altogether. Temperley is no good. But I do my job, without fear and don’t look for favours. My Battalion is absolutely the best here, bar none, and has done on every occasion the best work. The revolution worked in this Post is an outstanding proof of its capacity and efficiency, yet not one word of encouragement, praise or thanks has the Brigadier or his staff ever given us. They seem to dislike our success. Some people say that that is, what is wrong with us. The Brigade as a Brigade has not distinguished itself. My Battalion as a Battalion has, on every occasion (3 very important ones).
The landing and making good and safe the Army’s left flank, after 8 days and nights severe fighting.
The Battle of Krithia, 4 days and nights fighting.
Quinn’s Post.
That has been my only trouble and apparently, things will be all right now. I hope so.
The Brigadier I believe at least is not a bad sort, but as I told the General, in his presence, his mind is poisoned against me. It is said that Temperley was and is looking to get the Brigade if anything goes wrong with Colonel Johnston. (He was too sick to take part in landing and has been more or less sick ever since. Had to go away sick the other day). And I am the next for promotion33 and in Temperley’s way. But as Col Johnston, a Major in the Imperial Army [was] jumped up to Col over me ... and given the Brigade so Major Temperley of the Imperial Army, probably can see no reason why the act should not be repeated. If it is I and I hope the Govt and people of NZ who find the men and pay the Piper, will have something to say. Rightly or wrongly, we NZ Army officers feel that, the Imperial Army officer has had and still gets all the pull.34 Their so called “experience” has been and is not as of as much value as our “experience”. They are not practical men, there are exceptions of course. When we get back to NZ I feel pretty sure that the NZ officers will run the show and the Imperial officer will have to go. It was so once before and History repeats itself.35 Now why on earth I have lumbered you up with all this I don’t know, but it has been in my mind for some time and had to be delivered. Forgive me, if I have bored you and don’t think that I am worried. I have a feeling of injustice “but the way of the Reformer is hard,” and I have the great satisfaction that I have done my job and that none of my men have suffered by any act or omission on my part.
All this is between you and me. I have though personally expressed congratulations and good opinion of my Army Corps and also of my Divl Commander so I can do without that of my Brigadier and his staff.
Now to your letters – again, after such a terrible divergence. You cannot feel too strongly about the need for the salvation of old England – you are absolutely right. It does me good to know and I am so proud to think, that you feel and write like you do. England must have at least that which we have in NZ.
...I am glad Denis is getting on more condition. What joy it will be to see him and Barney and Mollie, not leaving out you and Norah. But you know my beloved how I feel about you. You have all my husband love, and will not begrudge them their father’s, father love.
Don’t worry about the NZ casualties. I have a charmed life, or rather God, with so many prayers offered up for me, cares for me and keeps me safe.
...You are quite right your news and letters are most welcome, like the Tatter36 man. We don’t want war news. What I want is to hear that you are well, content, not mourning or being nervous and that you are enjoying England, that everybody is nice to you, that you are, as you deserve, to be made much of, but above all that you love me more than anything or anybody as I do you. Tell me all the people you meet and what they are like and how you like them. Your diary hasn’t turned up. You said you were sending it.
I hope Bridport37 for the boys will be all right, but can they be properly fed and looked after for 8/- a week each? School fare is never anything much, but good food is such a necessity. I did not think any school boarding could be got under £40 a year. Do my dearest make quite sure about this and see that the school is a good one, with a good class of scholar. Forgive me if this seems doubting your selection, but the fee seems to me to condemn the school. I know your flowers will grow and be lovely. 3/6 a day is a long way off our NZ 8/-isn’t it? It is very late and my candle is all but burnt out. I must to bunk and finish this tomorrow. Goodnight sweetheart x_____x
Sunday 4.7.15. It was after midnight when I finished last night, and to my great delight I actually discovered that you were with me, in my left arm. I dreamt that and then awoke, to rifle fire report and bomb explosi
ons. Just the ordinary night music, and day too, for the matter of that. Out at 3am. Quite a quiet night. The Post has been for some time now and is comparatively very peaceful. It is now about 3pm (1500) and I must finish this soon as our mail closes. A new Bn the Canterbury came in today. Little Major Hughes that was is O/C [sic], you will remember him, I think at Newtown Park he escorted you. I am to have I think a few days holiday. I have had 35 days right on end in Courtney’s Post 8 days and 27 here. I have not asked for, it but will not refuse. If I can I and my SO will go over to Imbros, right away from the fighting area. It is only two or three hours steam to Imbros from here.
Col Chaytor got shot in the arm and will be all right. Yes apparently we are looked upon as all Australians. The NZers are out on their own as the best troops here. Better disciplined much more steadfast workers. I cannot take to the Australians as a Force at all. In fact I always clear them out if they come anywhere near me. On our landing I was sent to reinforce an Australian Bn and was mixed up with them for some hours in very fierce fighting (my No.1 occasion). Well I soon told Genl Walker (our acting Brigadier, Col F.E. Johnston was on the ship, sick) that he must take all the Australians away. He said [“] But can you hold on without them?” I said they are only a source of weakness and must go! At daybreak, I got them all cleared out and wasn’t I glad to see the last of them. We held on all right.
So far your cable hasn’t come, but don’t cable. It takes weeks to get here from Alexandria and you will only be worrying because there is no prompt reply.
I am so glad it is summer time and England at its best, so my dearest try and enjoy it. I know how you love it and I am so looking forward to seeing it too, with you. We will have another honeymoon together, sweetheart when the war is over. Good luck to you always.
With all my love,
Your loving husband
Quinn’s Post
Anzac
4.7.15
My very dear daughter [Norah],
Your very welcome letters of 26.5.15 and 1.6.15 respectively with the snapshots to hand yesterday. I had quite a field day of letters, 4 from Mater, but I had had a weary wait. I have written Mater a long letter and she will give you my news. You mustn’t be or let Mater be anxious about me on a/c [account] of lack of letters. The mails are unsatisfactory. Your snapshots are very good, especially the one of the children in a boat on the lake at Regents Park. It is almost perfect. I like too the one of Mater at Montevideo the group, but do take a snap now and again of Mater by herself or with the children and send to me. Get someone to snap you too. It brings one up to date. I sent Mater some photos, in 4 of which I appear. How great England must be to you, and I do so hope that you will enjoy every bit of it. Write me your impressions and tell me of the relations. Yes the Thames is a lovely river and the riverside houses and gardens, delightful. You must go to Sunbury38 sometime. As a boy I often went there – some aunts lived there.
Terry is all right, but 3 bullets thro’ 1 leg and another bullet thro’ the arm, was enough shrapnel. Yes I too am looking forward to meeting you all in London. What a reunion it will be. I am very fit and hard, and enjoy my work. The more I have to do, the better I like it.
The mailman is waiting so good luck my dear daughter. With love to you and D [Denis] and B [Barney] and M [Mollie].
Yr loving father
[MSX 2553]
In early July Malone and his staff officer, Captain John Short, had four days’ leave during which they went on a walking tour of the island of Imbros. The first part of this letter to Ida Malone is missing and this page begins with a description of a visit to a Greek peasant family.
Pyrgos [Imbros] 11-7-15
...Invited into the house and getting through a square hole, about 4 feet by 3 feet, we were seated on the only furniture a long wooden box, about 10 feet long. The room was clean and tidy, with many strange things, a stone fireplace, cupboards in the solid wall (which is about 2 feet thick), cushions were produced. Soon eggs were boiled, brown bread fresh from the oven (a big stone affair outside), a dish of beans like broad beans, dry, over which for us was poured a liberal quantity of olive oil. The family and our driver did not get the oil. I would gladly have dispensed with it – dried olives, onions raw. White curd cheese a goat hair rug was placed on the floor, on it the food. The men sat round and the wife and her daughter, a dear little girl of about 9, waited on all hands. We got the milk – the others drank water. We made quite a good meal – laughing away and making signs. I showed the woman the snaps of you and the 3 children at Montevideo and explained where you were. She was very bright and sympathetic. After dinner I took 3 photos of the family outside their house, which I hope will turn out all right. On leaving I offered payment but they wouldn’t accept so I gave the girl a 2/6[2 shillings and sixpence]. We shook hands all round, the little girl kissing mine. Her name is Kodina: she took off down the hill like a young goat and was back with some nearly ripe plums, before we got away. They seemed an ideal family, natural, unsophisticated, absolutely united. I wish you could meet them.... Skimude is as its name sounds, sort of skinny, a poor place, like the country. Houses old, and not in good order, streets ditto, people ditto. We made for the cafe, and in it was like the place – nothing pretty or comfortable about it. The usual terrace outside but instead of grapevines some stiffish[?] trees. We were well stared at by the customers. A Greek priest there, we salaamed to and asked to join us in cafe. Soon a chap turned up who could speak some French, then another. They took us round the town, sights nil except a cheese, butter and olive oil factory. Oh such a place! and oh such butter! like sperm oil, and such hard cheeses, such dirt and primitive plant! Almost inconceivable. We were glad to leave Skimude.... [Malone and his party visited the home of a Greek priest Father Antonios Larsodotis who showed them round his farm.] Then to the house, and at 9pm! a meal. Bread, boiled eggs, vegetables warmed in rice, covered with olive oil, a salad of lettuce, onions and green peppers, also covered with oil, milk, rice and spice milk pudding. I did very well, with all but the oil covered dishes. Red wine was also on the table. To bed – no sheets just one of the large quilts each. Too smothersome for me so I put it under me and used my plaid shawl. Plenty of air. Breakfast at 7am. Toast, tea, eggs and jam, and 1/2 ripe pears. I took photos of the priest, his housekeeper and her mother and of the monastery. We left a £1 for the House, gave the housekeeper 2/6 and away at 9am....
Some of Malone’s men in the trenches during a hot day.
Hampton Album, Alexander Turnbull Library
...Thro’ a rocky ravine with a running mountain stream meeting a man driving 6 goats tied together in an ingenuous fashion. We walked nearly all the way, as I did the day before.... We got no lunch. At 5 we reached our journey’s end, Pyrgos at Kephalos our starting point – a most welcome meal – a wash over and to bed. I saw Genl Godley and he insisted that instead of going back to Anzac as we had intended, we should take what he called 2 or 3 days rest, here. I was in no way loath as there was nothing going on ... at Anzac, and I was not due in Quinn’s Post until Tuesday. The Genl was with Admiral de Robeck, our Fleet Admiral and introduced me to him. The latter said, to my astonishment, “I’ve heard of you, you are the man who turned the Turks down at Quinn’s Post – you deserve a good rest.” Naturally I felt very flattered. He is such a fine looking man the Admiral beau ideal.
Today I had breakfast with the Supply Officer, one Harley, and then with Short went to the beach and in for a swim. It was lovely. Lunch with 2 NZ officers and now I am in a QM’s marquee the coolest and freest from flies place I could find, finishing my letter to my sweetheart. I am expecting there will be a letter for me from her on my arrival. I am tempted to go back sooner for the letter, but it is not sure that it is there and a loapher [sic, a loafer39?] will do me good and haven’t I had a lovely holiday my beloved. All the time I was thinking of you and wishing to have you here and show you everything and enjoy all the beauty and interest of everything.
The General says the war is g
oing on all right. I can hear the big guns rumbling as I write.
When I finish this I am going for another swim, and loaf on the beach. There are no flies near the water’s edge, but there is no shade. The harbour is full of shipping. Tomorrow we are going round to the shops to see if we can buy some tinned milk, fruit, cocoa etc to take back to Quinn’s Post. One thing I forgot to tell you. The mulberry trees here are plentiful and bear profusely – the most delicious fruit. It is common property. Big trees laden, with fruit in all stages. I did enjoy it so, especially if I could get milk with it. Can see too that figs and walnuts and all other fruits will be as plentiful. Good bye now my best beloved I know you will rejoice in the good time I have had and am having – with all my love. I am for aye your husband.
11.7.15
Quinn’s Post
Anzac
15.7.15
Dear McDonnell
No Better Death Page 28