Damakjelik Bair. 4 Bn South Wales Borderers. August 1915
Oral recollection from Imperial War Museum archive – interview with Joseph William Lennox Napier who served as a lieutenant in 4 Bn SWB at Anzac Cove. In total 15 Reels – the Reels below cover his time at Gallipoli.
REEL 2 Journey to Gallipoli.
REEL 3 minute 16.00 and following – describes departure from Mudros and continues with landing and action at Damakjelik Bair.
REEL 4 continues to when Lt. Napier was wounded
REEL 5 continues from his wounding and evacuation to England, his recovery and return to the battalion which was then in the Middle East..
The 4 Bn South Wales Borderers arrived at Anzac Cove early in the morning of 4 August 1915. They spent the first day resting at White Gully, a nullah that lead up from the beach. On the night of 6 August marched up to Damakjelik Bair where they then attacked and captured Hill 40 and dug in. The battalion was covering the left flank of Australian forces in their attack on Chunuk Bair. The SWBs remained in and around this position for the next 2 weeks digging and improving the lines.
On 22 August an urgent request was made to reinforce and support 10 Ghurkas at Susak Kuyu, D Company was sent forward. On the way up they came under heavy fire. When they arrived at the position they were told that they were not needed and they returned back. Casualties were 1 officer wounded and for ORs 3 KIA, 10 wounded and 2 missing. On 24 August the battalion was withdrawn to the Division reserve.
Sergeant 12969 Thomas Kynaston, 4 Bn South Wales Borderers. KIA 22 August 1915, Helles Memorial
B&O 1915 Gallipoli. Damakjelik Bair. 4 Bn South Wales Borderers. August 1915
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