‘Dyers Crater’ – Gallipoli and the ‘Germans Officers Trench’

Richard John Dyer Lieut Colonel D.S.O, Legion of Honour, MID

Gallipoli has many landmarks and place names spread across its unforgiving terrain. Many were named after famous military officers, such as Plugge’s Plateau, named after Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Plugge, commanding officer of the Auckland Battalion, after the Anzacs captured its position.

Other place names include Monash Valley, named after Brigadier Monash, and strategic points like Quinn’s Post, the most advanced post of the Anzac line, named after Major Hugh Quinn of the 15th Battalion AIF, who was killed defending the post.

Some place names became famous for their battles, such as Lone Pine, where seven Victoria Crosses were awarded to Australians. One battle zone with one of the most notorious place names was the ‘German Officers Trench’ (GOT), so-called because a German Officer was reportedly sighted there early in the campaign. The GOT, as it was called, was a strategic point for the Turks and would become as deadly a location as Lone Pine.

In the 1st Field Co. Eng. unit diaries during the Gallipoli campaign, there are only a few references to particular men in the company; however, there is a rare moment when on June 14th, 1915, 228 William Davis Cohen and fellow sapper 58 Percy Hirst are both mentioned as being actively involved in testing the firing line of the enemy whilst new saps and tunnels were being navigated, both of them going out nightly against constant enemy fire and managing to secure plans for Turkish trenches for their commanding officer Lieut. Richard John Dyer. 

A few days earlier, Lieutenant Richard Dyer and other members from the No. 2 section of the 1^st Field Co. Engineers had started preparing mines for an underground attack near enemy lines at what was known as the ‘German Officers Trench’.

Tunnel warfare had begun, and Australian war historian Charles Bean’s chapter on the German Officers’ Trench gives a detailed account of the complexities of this new stage of warfare. Bean also gives a rare account of the involvement of the 1st Field Co. Engineers in this chapter and, in particular, the role of Lieut. Richard Dyer and his place in this fascinating part of Gallipoli history.

Bean’s account describes how Lieutenant Dyer, in an attempt to break a tunnelling stalemate, ‘attempted a novel method of ejecting the enemy’. The Anzacs and Turks occupied the same tunnel that branched off from the German Officers’ trench towards Steele’s Post. The Australian barrier in the tunnel was a short distance from the Turks’ position and guarded by a loan sentry. Naturally, neither side could advance, and neither would abandon their position.

GALLIPOLI. 1915. STEELE’S POST, SHOWING DUGOUTS, HELD BY MEMBERS OF THE 8TH INFANTRY BATTALION, WITH MEN WALKING ALONG THE NARROW PATH CUT INTO THE STEEP HILLSIDE ABOVE.

Charles Beans diagram of the GOT – German Officers’ trench in relation to Steeles Post

It was reported that Dyer managed to put out over the top of the barrier and lower to the ground a 25lb charge of gun cotton explosives with electric wires placed near the Turkish position of the tunnel. The Engineers added more dirt to the barrier, barricading themselves behind ten feet of dirt. On July 9th, Dyer detonated the charge, which made a massive explosion, killing three Turks, collapsing the Turk’s side of the tunnel and creating a vast crater to be known thereafter as ‘Dyers Crater’.

The Diagrams below from the Charles Beans chapter show the evolution of the tunnel emerging from GOT—The German Officers’ Trench and its tunnel approach towards Steele’s Post, and then the new crater formed by Dyer’s explosion, which destroyed the tunnel.

The young Lieutenant was later recognised for his extraordinary work at Gallipoli, mentioned in despatches, and also bestowed The Croix d’ officer -Legion of Honour -the citation read as follows.

“Coolness and pluck during the landing on April 25, also for general work in places of danger for several days afterwards. When stationed at German Officers’ Trench for untiring efforts in mining and conspicuous acts of gallantry when coming in contact with the enemy underground. In no case did the enemy ever cause any damage to our own galleries and no loss of life was incurred.”

A more personal account of the assault on the GOT was written in the diary of sapper 139 Philip Owen Ayton and later included in a book published by his family, titled “A Hell Of A Time’. Phillip was an original in Section No. 2 under the command of Richard Dyer. Phil Ayton had just returned to Gallipoli from Alexandria after recovering from being wounded in the leg by shrapnel.

Phil described how he ‘was glad to be back with the boys’ and rejoined section No. 2 on the firing line only 50 yards away from the GOT. He described how the men had made a network of galleries, tunnels and saps in what was called ‘No Mans Land’.  It was while Phil took up position in one of the saps with fellow original  122 Cpl John “Jack” Gough and they could clearly hear the Turks digging towards them. Phil explained that ‘it was a case of who should get in first with a shot’.

Lieut Dyer decided that it was the Anzacs who would strike first. Phil Ayton gave a detailed account of preparing the heavy explosive charge and how difficult the job was building the barricades in pitch dark with limited oxygen.  When the job was complete, Lieut Dyer didn’t hesitate to set off the terrific explosion. Phil Ayton described how, at about 10 o’clock at night, ‘the whole hill seemed to shake a foot.’The night air was filled with flying earth and flame, and the explosion wrecked about 25 yards of the Turks’ trench, ultimately forming a giant crater. 

When Richard John Dyer left his mark on the landscape of Gallipoli, he was just 21. In defiance of his age and rank, Richard Dyer would continue to demonstrate extraordinary leadership in the field of action for the entirety of the Great War. A natural-born leader, his capabilities and military maturity would set him apart from others. By December of the following year, he was the (O.C) Officer Commanding the entire 1st Field Company Engineers and facing down the Germans on the Western Front.

His full WW1 story is astonishing, and one cannot help but be awestruck by such a young man and his extraordinary achievements during the war.

To read more about Richard Dyer, please follow the link to his Biography page. link Richard John Dyer 

Sources:

AWM, Charles Bean Anzac Volumes, ‘A Hell of a Time’  – Philip Owen Ayton

NEW ARCHIVE – Added to the site

Notebook of 173 Thomas Cameron

Not a Known portrait but possibly a self portrait by Thomas from his notebook during the war.

As ANZAC 2024 approaches, it is fitting to announce the inclusion of more archive material that followers of the 1st Field Co. Engineers will find fascinating.

The notebook of 173 Thomas Cameron, courtesy of the AWM, was recently added.

Thomas Cameron’s notebook had it all: it was part diary, sketchbook, and address book. In it, he made notes of reference, such as survey distances, tunnel diagrams, construction supply lists, and interestingly, calculations for setting up explosives with a time fuse and how to cut off circulation to the arm when an artery had been cut.

His artwork today would be described as “naive in style” which is quite popular by contemporary standards. Thomas was clearly ahead of his time.

Please follow the links below to read about Thomas and some remarkable insights portrayed in his notebook while serving in the 1st FCE.

Link to his Biography –  173 Thomas Cameron Biography

Link to his Notebook – 173 Thomas Cameron Notebook

15 – GEORGE BIRD Archive Collection

The George Harrington Bird collection has been donated by his great nephew, Damon Bird. We are very grateful that this rich collection is available and adding to the extraordinary history of the original men of the 1st Field Co. Engineers.

The collection includes photos of George and unidentified sappers at Mena Camp, Egypt, some images of Gallipoli, and his letter penned on stationery from the pride of the British navy battleship ‘Queen’ on the eve of the Anzac landing.

The archive includes many letters from George and correspondence from others in the company. Although some dates and commentary in the letters are sometimes confusing, the accuracy of the sentiments from his fellow engineers is unquestionable.

His diary has been transcribed and is in the collection. It is full of details that provide more illuminating events that surrounded George and the men of the 1st FCE, from the day he enlisted until George’s tragic death on the 9th of August 1915. 

Please click the purple link below to access to direct collection.

https://aussiesappers.wordpress.com/diaries-letters/george-harrington-bird-collection/

 

 

Gallipoli – 25th April 1915

During his time at Gallipoli and later at the western front, 96 Sapper Hugh Geddes remained in constant touch with his brother, Alderman William “Bill” Geddes, and like many of the families of the soldiers they would share some of the latest writing’s for publication in the local newspaper such as the ‘Forbes Advocate’.

The ANZAC stories were compulsory reading and the anxious families back home in Australia were always keen for news.  Sentiment would change over time as Hugh’s verses, sent to his brother, were a grim reminder of the real cost of war.

Above is a page from a new ebook and paperback soon to be published titled ‘ANZAC LETTERS – The Men of the 1st Field Company Australian Engineers.’ featuring a collection of extracts from letters from many of the original members of the 1st Field Company Engineers.

Source: NLA

©Vance Kelly2022

31st May 1918 – Remembering Norman Jack Niccol

102 Norman Jack Niccol – Photo source; CSR A record of war Service of Members of the staff 1914 – 1918

102 Norman “Jack” John Niccol

Norman was born in Sydney in 1893 to parents Thomas and Lilian Niccol.  Along with his younger brother Thomas Roy Niccol they originally lived at Leichhardt on the fringe of  the city of Sydney.

By the age of twenty Norman had completed his electrical apprenticeship while employed with the Colonial Sugar Refining Company for 4 years .

In 1914 he enlisted with the 1st Field Company Engineers as a Sapper.

On Sunday the 18th October 1914 the men of the First Field Company Engineers embarked for a seven week voyage at sea. A few false starts and weeks of delays, the loss of one of its original members and 8 weeks of training and finally the men were about to head off for the great adventure. The drum beat sounded – Reveille – at 5.00 a.m and the 1st FCE broke camp at Moore Park and marched to the trams to take them to the wharf at Woolloomooloo Bay. They were then taken by Ferry to board the troopship A19 – Afric.

The fading signature of Norman Niccol appears in the bottom left corner of the original postcard of the Afric belonging to fellow original 101 John Hoey Moore.

Coincidently John Moore and Norman Niccol had consecutive regiment numbers 101 and 102 respectively, so it very likely they were tent mates at Moore Park when they enlisted and in the same section of the 1st FCE.

Original photo – Courtesy Jack Moore Private collection

Norman served continuously at Gallipoli until the evacuation, when he returned with the rest of the company to Alexandria, Egypt on the troopship Caledonia on the 27th December 1915.

While camped at Alexandria,  Norman was appointed lance corporal 22.1.1916 but was quickly reduced to rank of sapper after he was found guilty for disobeying the command of a senior officer and was absent without leave for 22 hrs.

In March 1916 Norman proceeded to France and then onwards with the 1st FCE to the western front.

On the 20th August 1916 he was wounded, an injury to his left hand. After a quick recovery he was granted leave and had taken only 3 days and rejoined the unit in the field where shortly after in September he was transferred to the No.4 A.D.S Col (Australian Division Supply Column) as a Driver.

On the 31st May 1918,  a number of ammunition lorries from the supply company that Norman was attached were parked at Allonville on the Somme, near Amiens. Two high explosive shells landed among the lorries  where Norman and his mate 5451 Roland Rose were sleeping. A shell fragment punctured the floor of the lorry and ripped through Normans legs. Roland Rose was not wounded and managed to drive Norman to the casualty clearing station all the while Norman was conscious and holding onto what remained of his severely injured legs.

Norman ‘s legs were amputated in an attempt to save his life , unfortunately later that evening Norman died from his wounds.

Norman’s service record shows he has the rare distinction of serving continuously in France from the 28th March 1916 to 31st May 1918 except for 3 days leave. Over 2 years at the front in any capacity was extraordinary.

Norman Jack Niccol was buried in a small British War cemetery in the town of Longueau which is situated on the south-eastern outskirts of Amiens, the cemetery located on the eastern side of the town.

Longueau British Cemetery was begun in April 1918, when the Allied line was re-established. The cemetery contains 204 First World War burials, 14 of which are unidentified.

102 Norman Jack Niccol – Photo source; CSR A record of war Service of Members of the staff 1914 – 1918

Photo by Len @ findagrave.comuserprofile48488629

Photo by Len @ findagrave.comuserprofile48488629

Norman’s memory is honoured at the wall of remembrance in Canberra.

Norman Jack Niccol’s name will also be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on the following dates:

Thu 28 June 2018 at 7:23pm
Sat 11 August 2018 at 12:01am
Sat 29 September 2018 at 2:01am

Sources:

AWM, NLA

Original Postcard photo – Courtesy Jack Moore Private collection

Photo by Len @ findagrave.comuserprofile48488629

Photo source: CSR – A record of war service of members of the staff 1914 – 1918

REMEMBERING – 106 Frank Rochester

106 Frank Rochester

106 Lieut. Frank Rochester

Frank Rochester was born in 1888 in Durham England, to parents John William Rochester and Marion Pringle Rochester, nee Purvis.
At age 17 Frank started work as an apprentice blacksmith at the same local Colliery as his father. Franks younger brother John Rochester was an engine fitter and iron worker and they also had two sisters Mary and Marion.
After five years blacksmithing Frank decided to take a new path and on the 16th February 1912 Frank departed from London on the “Osterley” and immigrated to Australia originally disembarking in Adelaide and later making his way to New South Wales.
Frank enlisted with the 1st Field Engineers Co. on the 19th August 1914 and on October 18th he embarked with his fellow originals on the HMAT Afric, his autograph on the original postcard that belonged to original 101 John Hoey Moore.

Original photo – Courtesy Jack Moore Private collection

Shortly after his arrival at Egypt he was appointed Lance Corporal on the 8th March 1915.
At Gallipoli, Frank was an original dawn lander and after 3 months he was promoted to 2nd Corporal.
He was also one of the rare individuals who served continuously at Gallipoli and during preparations for the planned evacuation on the 11th December he ruptured his knee-joint cartilage.

Lemnos Hospital – courtesy of ThruTheseLines

He was later treated at Mudros hospital, recovered and was promoted to Corporal before rejoining the unit in time to embark back to Alexandria, Egypt.
On the 21st March 1916 he embarked with the unit for Marseilles, and served in Sailly France and was promoted to Sergeant on 9th August 1916.
In December of 1916 Frank was detached from his unit and along with his mate 230 Robert Osborne Wrightson Earle returned to Newark in England and attended Engineering Training School and on completion was appointed his commission as 2nd Lieutenant.
In July 1917, like many of the originals, Frank prepared his final “Will and Testament” and his good friend 230 Robert ‘Ossie’ Earle, a draughtsman from Leeton was a witness to his statement.

Frank returned to France and the 1st FCE in December of 1918. A few weeks later he was promoted to full Lieutenant on the 31st January 1918.
“ In April 1918 the 1st FCE had left Amiens and were disentrained at Hondeghem near Hazebrouck and marched to Borre. The Germans had broken through the Portuguese sector and the 1st Division had been ordered back to stop the enemy’s further advance and which the company duly accomplished.” – source :- A Short Account of the Formation of the 1st FCE- 1914 – 1918
On the 13th April the company was billeted at Pradelles and on the 17th April “they were shelled out of their billets.” Around this same time fellow original 180 Clyffe Bailey is wounded, a shell wound causing severe injuries to his right leg which is later amputated.
On the 23rd April 1918, Lieutenant Frank Rochester was in charge of certain road mines which were being laid across roads and at strategic points. The mines were then meant to be blown at the last minute in the event of the allied forces having to fall back. The road would then be blocked to enemy guns and transport.
About midday in company with 6989 Lance Cpl. Russell Robson of his section, were testing the electric fuses of some of these mines in Strazeele. He and Robson had just completed tests and then made their way back through the main streets of Strazeele when a small enemy artillery shell burst immediately in front of them killing both men instantly. The bodies were discovered by a working party of the 1st FCE that followed shortly after and they took the mutilated bodies back to the company billets in Pradelles.

Postcard of Strazeele ruins

Frank Rochester and Russell Robson were buried side by side at the Borre Military Cemetery the following day, a Padre officiated and most of the officers and men of the unit were present at the graveside, erecting the cross they had made and a white picket and chain fence surrounding the plots. For the 1st FCE this was a rare opportunity to prepare and attend an official burial.
By this stage of the war they were use to seeing death and devastation each day, but to have some time out to pay their respects to their mates was a special moment that they took very seriously.
The originals would have had memories of their first weeks back at Moore Park, Sydney and their first military burial at Waverley Cemetery in Sydney before they left in 1914.
Nearly four years had passed when they lost their first original 126 Ernest Cotterell and paid him the same honour and respect they had just paid to Lieut. Frank Rochester and L. Cpl Russell Robson.

Borre British Cemetery, France

The Borre Military Cemetery is the final resting place for 235 Australian soldiers… including 106 Lieut. Frank Rochester and Lance Cpl Russell Robson M.M . They are buried side by side.
In 1919 on the anniversary of Frank Rochester’s death, the Sydney Morning Herald coincidently published memorial notices for both Frank and Russell…once again side by side…. and it also appears that Frank may have had a sweetheart in Australia.
“ROBSON. – In loving remembrance of Russell Dunsmore Robson. M M. of First Field Company Engineers, A. I. F., killed April 23, 1918, at Strazeele, aged 20½ years.
ROCHESTER -In loving memory of Lieut Frank Rochester. Killed in action, April 23. 1918, after 3 years and 8 months faithful service. An Anzac.
Greater love hath no man than this. Dearly loved friend of Gladys Dawson”. – SMH 23rd April 1919
Frank Rochester’s name is located at panel 24 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial (as indicated by the poppy on the plan below).

Frank Rochester’s name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on:
• Wed 18 April 2018 at 7:35pm
• Sat 02 June 2018 at 5:55am
• Sat 14 July 2018 at 4:37am
• Tue 28 August 2018 at 7:08pm
• Sat 20 October 2018 at 10:21pm

Story ©VanceKelly2017
Sources:
AWM, NAA, NLA, CWGC
Acknowledgments:
Original Afric postcard and Sphinx photos – Courtesy Jack Moore Private collection

Remembering 146 Edward Frings

Photo courtesy – Andrew Smith & Son Auctioneers U.K

The photo above shows the few remaining memories of a great Anzac who left his home and family in London and came to Australia as a young man looking to pursue a new path in life.

Circumstances around the world prevented him following that path and Edward Franz Hubert Frings would enlist with the Australian Imperial Forces a few months after settling in Sydney.

The items included in the picture above include a WW1 Victory Medal awarded to Acting/Sgt. E. F. H. Frings, FCE AIF ,  a few coins including a Rupee, a Russian rouble, a Peruvian Sol ,  a tortoiseshell stamp box, an ivory bangle, spectacles in a papier mache case and a miniature silver front prayer book.

This small collection of personal treasures were auctioned in the U.K in 2003 and hopefully found a new home where the memories of the original owner Edward Frings can be honoured.

On this day, 26th March 1918, Edward Frings was killed in action in Belgium, he was 24 years old. 

More to read about Edward …….CLICK HERE.

Edward is Honoured on the commemorative wall at The Australian War Memorial in Canberra. His name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on the following dates ….

Mon 09 April 2018 at 9:45pm
Fri 25 May 2018 at 4:55am
Fri 06 July 2018 at 6:01am
Sun 19 August 2018 at 10:39pm
Tue 09 October 2018 at 10:56pm

Lieut. William Hay

23 Lieut. William Hay – photo image courtesy University of Sydney –

William Hay was a determined man,  his short and eventful life was full to the brim.

His personal story reads more like a colourful contemporary drama. Born into a hard working and ambitious family, educated at the University of Sydney, he inherited a small fortune from his father and shortly after enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces with the 1st Field Co. Engineers.

He served the entire war and survived but unfortunately his older brother did not, his brother, a pilot in the Royal Flying Corp and the only Australian shot down by the famous German flying ace Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron.

William returned after the war to carve out a pastoral empire.  He married a well-known socialite, but he shunned the limelight.  A bitter divorce later ensued, but this did not prevent him from achieving his inherent destiny, but sadly the poisonous after effects of the Western Front ultimately took its toll and cut his life short.

Read more….CLICK HERE.

126 Ernest Cotterell

126 Ernest Cotterell – photo courtesy Christopher Sykes

Ernest (left ) with brother Frederick James Cotterell MC – photo courtesy Christopher Sykes

 

With the passing of time, memories fade and stories are forgotten, but the modern world and the vast network of information and technology that surrounds us, has helped to rediscover our history and bring new life to many personal stories.

Archiving the stories of the brave men of the 1st FCE has been a fabulous journey and it continues to reveal unexpected as well as new and exciting information.

The search for portraits of each member of the 1st Field Company Engineers whilst initially seemingly impossible, has proven to be very successful to date.

One such portrait which has come to hand was passed on courtesy of Christopher Sykes the great nephew of sapper 126 Ernest Cotterell.

The embarkation of the first Australian Imperial Forces had been delayed and rescheduled on more than one occasion and the level of anxiety among the men was noted by all ranks. Sadly for Ernest, the delay’s would fuel his own anxiety and mental suffering.

Six weeks after enlisting on the evening of the 5th October 1914 Ernest sustained a self inflicted gunshot to the head and he died instantly.

192 William Phillips mentioned in his diary the gloom that fell over the camp on news of the tragedy and briefly described the Military funeral of Sapper Cotterell. “Our boys marched to Waverley Cemetery behind gun-carriage with coffin. A fine procession, and touching ceremony.”

It is with many thanks to Christopher Sykes that the memory of both Ernest and his brother Frederick can be commemorated with the addition of their portraits.

Ernest’s story was published earlier……READ MORE 

A Rare Gem – The diary of William Irving Phillips

 

 

192 William Phillips – portrait courtesy of Beverley Prior family collection

Original War Diary 1915 – courtesy of Beverley Prior family collection

In 2015 Beverley Prior the granddaughter of original 1st Field Company Engineer 192 William Irving Phillips was commemorating the 100 year anniversary of ANZAC.

Beverley and her family had held onto a treasure for 100 years, a rare gem and a significant piece of Anzac history, her grandfather’s war diary.

Beverley has taken the time to carefully transcribe Will Phillips diary and also include   personal photos and momento’s.

It is an exciting and magnificent archive which opens up the life and times of William Phillips and other originals during the war years.

The diary has enormous relevance to the story of the original men of the 1st Field Company Engineers and provides a unique insight into many of the men of the company.

Will Phillips had a balanced view of all things that life threw at him, his country upbringing  combined with a quality education, the foundation which prepared him for Gallipoli and the war in Europe.

Will Phillips was like so many original Anzac’s, a rare individual who took so much in his stride, never seemed to complain, and despite the daily hardships of war always found a way of making light of the circumstances and getting on with the task at hand.

Will was a teacher, and a skilled horseman who found himself in the second boat to hit the shores of Gallipoli on April 25th, 1915.

He lived to tell his story, and what a story his granddaughter Beverley has so generously shared.

Please follow this link and enjoy the story of a fine man, William Irving Phillips….CLICK HERE

Original photo courtesy of Beverley Prior – family private collection