Boot and Saddle by JG GilberdWW1 - Gallipoli
The Gunners and the ASC were the only NZ units to land horses on the peninsula, the remainder were left at the base in Egypt. Conditions on the beaches were bad and difficulties were experienced in getting guns and horses ashore. Our Infantry were desperate for supporting fire from our guns. The Royal Navy were shelling the area, but most of their fire was ineffective owing to the flat trajectories of their guns. It was later on 26 April 1915 before a section of 4.5 howitzers and two Indian Pack Batteries were brought ashore. Water, forage, ammunition, rations, plus other supplies were brought in by barges. This system of supply continued for the duration of the troops' stay in this terrible place. Following the withdrawal, troops, guns and horses returned to base back in Egypt. At base the Force was re-organised into an Infantry Division and a Mounted Rifle Brigade. The Division moved to France and arrived at Marseilles in April 1916. Only men and animals went to France, the Division re-equipping at the overseas base. The privations suffered by horses on the Western Front - particularly during winter - were terrible. Overwork, lack of shelter, food shortages and illness took its toll. Some animals became so weak they just fell and drowned in the mud and shell holes. Gun teams performed prodigious tasks in bringing the guns in and out of action. Bringing up ammunition was another arduous duty for Drivers and their horses. With the defeat of Germany the NZ Division crossed the Rhine River at a place called Deutz. Here life was much more pleasant for all concerned. Barracks, stables and other amenities were available. New Year 1919 saw the start of demobilisation and creation of an occupation force. When the time came for New Zealand Forces to be relieved of their occupational duties plans were made for bringing the men home. No so for their 'long-faced' friends. Horses were divided into three classes. Certain mares were selected for breeding purposes, others were marked for retention by the British Army and the final group were sold either to be butchered for food or used for general purposes in Germany. Jim Gilberd, 1989 |
