TOPIC:

Frank Kelley wrote: Hello Iain,
Agreed, just look at Spion Kop, a complete waste of time, moreover, a needless, pointless waste of life!
Regards Frank

It would be interesting to hear a discussion between British military historians as to which engagement involving British troops was the most needless, pointless and complete waste of both time and life. How would Spion Kop rate against Gallipoli, I wonder?

Berenice/ Frank,
both engagements that have been quoted, unfortunately became disasters because of procrastination; in both instances the potential was there but because the staff concerned dithered, probably too scared to be committed, sadly, they spiraled out of control. (My own Grandfather was at Gallipoli.)

regards, Iain

Hello Iain,
Please tell me more, knowing where you are from, I'm thinking the 25th of April 1915, Cape Helles, "Lancashire Landing" at W Beach and the Victoria Cross x6, all before breakfast!
Regards Frank

iaindh wrote: Berenice/ Frank,
both engagements that have been quoted, unfortunately became disasters because of procrastination; in both instances the potential was there but because the staff concerned dithered, probably too scared to be committed, sadly, they spiraled out of control. (My own Grandfather was at Gallipoli.)

regards, Iain

Hi Frank,
Not so dramatic; it was my Paternal Grandfather who was from near Cadnum in the New Forest and was with the Hampshires. He was wounded in the knee at Gallipoli. He finished the war in Greece.

regards, Iain

Frank Kelley wrote: Hello Iain,
Please tell me more, knowing where you are from, I'm thinking the 25th of April 1915, Cape Helles, "Lancashire Landing" at W Beach and the Victoria Cross x6, all before breakfast!
Regards Frank

iaindh wrote: Berenice/ Frank,
both engagements that have been quoted, unfortunately became disasters because of procrastination; in both instances the potential was there but because the staff concerned dithered, probably too scared to be committed, sadly, they spiraled out of control. (My own Grandfather was at Gallipoli.)

regards, Iain

LOL Iain,
Oh, are you sure? I was looking forward to a really good story here!
Can you narrow the field a bit, did he take part in the initial landing on the 25th of April 1915?
I think that the 2nd Hampshire's were part of 88 Brigade within the 29th Division.
A very bad business Iain,
Regards Frank

iaindh wrote: Hi Frank,
Not so dramatic; it was my Paternal Grandfather who was from near Cadnum in the New Forest and was with the Hampshires. He was wounded in the knee at Gallipoli. He finished the war in Greece.

regards, Iain

Frank Kelley wrote: Hello Iain,
Please tell me more, knowing where you are from, I'm thinking the 25th of April 1915, Cape Helles, "Lancashire Landing" at W Beach and the Victoria Cross x6, all before breakfast!
Regards Frank

iaindh wrote: Berenice/ Frank,
both engagements that have been quoted, unfortunately became disasters because of procrastination; in both instances the potential was there but because the staff concerned dithered, probably too scared to be committed, sadly, they spiraled out of control. (My own Grandfather was at Gallipoli.)

regards, Iain

Hi Frank,

Sorry I know little else of my Grandfather's war experiences. I only saw him during school holidays as we live in the North and I was young when he died. I do remember that he still had the Turkish bullet from his leg but that disappeared. I'm not sure if he took part in the initial landings or if he came in later.
I would love to know!
I have 2 photos of him in uniform, one of which identifies the Hampshires. I also have a postcard from Salonika showing it burning.
The 2nd Hampshires were part of the 88th Brigade, 29th Brigade and he must have been transferred to the 10th Hampshires as they served in Salonika. There is a possibility he was in the 10th Hampshires initially as they also served in Gallipoli before Salonika. Although he would have needed to recover from the leg wound.
It was indeed a bad business; that man again!

regards, Iain

Frank Kelley wrote: LOL Iain,
Oh, are you sure? I was looking forward to a really good story here!
Can you narrow the field a bit, did he take part in the initial landing on the 25th of April 1915?
I think that the 2nd Hampshire's were part of 88 Brigade within the 29th Division.
A very bad business Iain,
Regards Frank