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An exceptional, highly descriptive historical letter written by British Admiral Sir Richard Fortescue Phillimore (1864-1940). Phillimore transcribes a powerful, vivid extract from a letter he sent to his wife in April 1915 during the height of the Gallipoli Campaign.
The transcribed extract provides a gripping, detailed account of the famous and bloody landing of the Lancashire Fusiliers at W Beach (famed for winning "six VCs before breakfast"). 9"x7" multifold letter on personalized Shedfield House Letterhead is in fine condition.
Jany. 3rd 1930
Dear Sir
In order to comply with your request I have written below an extract from a letter to my wife in April 1915 (Gallipoli):
"At W the Lancashire Fusiliers made an attack which will be their pride for ever.
The beach was covered with barbed wire, the cliffs on each side were lined with trenches at the top and had maxims, in sand caves, half way up.
Leaving 4 officers and 82 men dead on the beach, they divided into 2 parties, right & left, and drove the Turks out with the bayonet.
Carrying a 60 lb. pack on their back and 200 rounds of ammunition I can't think how they climbed the hills.
The heavy fire from the ships had done practically no harm at W, the Turks were so well sheltered."
Richard F. Phillimore
Page 2 (Postscript)
I have read your Poem with much interest & approval.
R.F.P
