The story of 'The Man with the Donkey', Dick Henderson of the New Zealand Medical Corps who used a donkey to transport wounded at Gallipoli. Dick Henderson tells of his war time and post war experiences in a recording made in the 1950s by the Church of Christ, Mt Roskill. The 'good news' continues to be published alongside long casualty lists.
Manawatu Times 31 May 1915
THE WAR.
IN THE DARDANELLES
THE GREAT LANDING. Times.—Sydney Sun Service. LONDON May 23.
The Times' correspondent says the great landing operations in other wars were never like Gallipoli. Never have landing forces fought their way through such obstacles as the British, French, Australians and New Zealand troops met on six beaches. The grim fight was simply hell. Every Turco-Prussian ruse was employed. Our losses were heavy, but the wounds were mostly slight. The wounded are cheerful and confident, and are longing to be back at the front. An Australian officer said to the correspondent: "We were anxious before we began, knowing that some of the men were rather raw. Nearing the beach the enemy opened fire with shrapnel, machine guns, and rifles, but the Australians and New Zealanders just fixed bayonets and went up the rocks and hillsides. Only two men were not killed in one boat, and they jumped out and rushed with the others, who were charging through barbed wires. The Turks bolted.
Music extracts:
Artist: John McCormack
Song: There’s a Long Long Trail A Winding
Composer: King/Elliott
Album: Oh, It’s a Lovely War Vol 2
Label: CD41 486309
Artist: Murray Johnson
Song: Pack Up You Trouble in Your Old Kitbag
Composer: Powell
Album: Songs of World War One
Label: Goentertaiment
