Trooper P. H. Atkinson, of Warepa, writes from Luna Park, Egypt, on August 16, to a Balclutha friend (says tho Clutha "Leader") as follows: I was in a very big bayonet charge a week ago. I got through all right and got to the Turks with my bayonet. Most of them threw away their rifles and ran. Our squadron took about half a mile of trenches. I was shot through the chest the day after, but am getting better quickly. The bullet went in the left shoulder and the doctor took it out of the right one. I am walking about very little the worse, and, in fact, I think I will get back to the fighting line next week. We lost heavily but the Turks lost far more than we did. I do not think the Turks will fight much longer, because they are sick of it. I will be pleased when it is over. Gallipoli is a very rough place to fight in, as there is so much cover for the enemy snipers. It was a sniper that go

Peter Hiram Atkinson originally of Barton on Humber. left for New Zealand in 1900. He had brothers at home in England fighting for their country. He was awarded the DCM for bravery. From my website http://bartononhumberatwar.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/1916-real-battles-begin.html May 20th: On Monday Sgt. Peter Atkinson, the son of William and Mrs Atkinson of Ferriby Rd. marched back to the front after 8 days leave. He left for New Zealand in 1900 and joined up for the Boer War, his patriotism having got the better of him. Leaving his farm behind, the same feeling occurred for him in this War, and he was in the first batch of the New Zealand Light Horse that went to Egypt and Gallipoli, having some rough times at Suvla Bay. In a fierce hand to hand encounter he saved a comrade’s life by running a bayonet through a Turkish soldier. (Lincolnshire Star) He is now back in France after a he