The Landing at Suvla bay

[stevem49]

Reg Ecclestone who was a signaller with 9th Bn Sherwood Foresters wrote this poem which was 'graciously accepted' by the King and Queen.

The Landing at Suvla Bay

You may talk of Balaclava, And of Trafalgar Bay,

But what of the Eleventh Division, Who landed at Suvla Bay ?

Their part of Kitchener's Army, Who had left mothers, children and wives,

But they fought for England's freedom, Fought for their very lives.

It was on the 6th of August, They made that terrible dash,

As the Turks upon the hillside They were trying our boats to smash.

The order came 'Fix Bayonets!' As out of the boats we got,

Yet every man a hero Who faced the Turkish shot.

Ships' sides and funnels were shattered, And the sea in some parts red,

But the lads fought their way to shore, To the beach that was covered in dead.

Then creeping at length up the hillside, While shot and shells fell around.

They made their last desperate effort, And charged the Turkish ground.

The Turks began to tremble When they saw the bayonets play,

Then they turned their backs on the British And returned from Suvla Bay !

There were Lincolns, Dorsets and Staffords, The Border Regiment too,

The good old Sherwood Foresters, and the R.A.M.C. true.

Then came the gallant Manchesters, With the Fusiliers by their side,

Those trusty lads from Lancashire Who fille dour hearts with pride.

The Yorks, East Yorks and West Yorks, And Yorks and Lancs, as well,

All fought for the honour of Britain And with the bravest fell.

The fighting fifth were at it, Northumberland lads, you know,

While the Duke of Wellington's did their best Driving back the foe.

Far away up the hillside, Buried 'neath the Turkish clay,

Lie sons of Britain's heroes Who landed at Suvla Bay.

So remember the Eleventh Division, Who are all volunteers, you know,

They fought and died like Britons While fighting their deadly foe.

Composed by Signaller R. Ecclestone, 9th Sherwood Foresters : 11th Division.

Whilst Reg did use some poetic licence it is well worth an airing.

11th Division

32nd Brigade - 9th West Yorks, 6th East Yorks, 6th Yorks, 6th York and Lancs.

33rd Brigade - 6th Lincolns, 6th Borders 7th South Staffs, 9th Sherwood Foresters.

34th Brigade - 8th Northumberland Fus, 9th Lancs Fus, 8th Duke of Wellington's, 5th Dorsets, 11th Manchesters.

Pioneers - 6th East Yorks.

Mounted Troops - 1st Herts Yeomanry, 11th Div Cyclist Coy.

By the end of 21st August 1915 - each Brigade consisted of two Battalion Brigades such were the losses.

stevem

[Tony Lund]

Almost exactly the same is in the Holmfirth Express on February 20th 1916. They claim it was written by one of the 8th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, probably because it is the battalion with most local men in it. It is almost word for word apart from - “Whilst the good old Duke of Wellington’s, Were keeping back the foe.” And the odd word here and there.

Tony.

[stevem49]

Almost exactly the same is in the Holmfirth Express on February 20th 1916. They claim it was written by one of the 8th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, probably because it is the battalion with most local men in it. It is almost word for word apart from - “Whilst the good old Duke of Wellington’s, Were keeping back the foe.” And the odd word here and there.

Tony.

Maybe he sold copies! I got the poem from Reg's family and I believe they have the acceptance by their Majesty's.

stevem