Letters from Helles

The uncensored correspondence of a battalion commander at Gallipoli

By Colonel Sir Henry Darlington, Michael Crane (Editor), Bernard de Broglio (Editor)

About the book

Written in 1915 while leading the 1/5th Manchester Regiment, Colonel Sir Henry Darlington’s letters from Gallipoli are a commanding officer’s firsthand account of leadership and endurance at Helles.

Long considered one of the most valuable firsthand accounts of the Gallipoli campaign, original copies have become increasingly scarce since the publisher’s remaining stock was destroyed during the London Blitz in December 1940.

In this new and expanded edition, the editors, facilitated by the author’s grandson, Hugh Darlington, have supplemented the original text with an illustrated biography, detailed maps, and appendices that provide rich context on the battalion’s campaign.

The most valuable addition, however, is the wealth of previously unpublished photographs taken by the author himself. A keen photographer who carried his camera into the line at Gallipoli, these remarkable images from his personal album add a new dimension to a classic account.

Foreword—Hugh Darlington
Editors’ note
Preface—General Sir Ian Hamilton
Introduction—Colonel Sir Henry Darlington

I. Preparation
II. Gallipoli
III. Third Battle of Krithia
IV. Imbros—trench warfare
V. 127th Infantry Brigade
VI. Battle of 6/7th August at Helles
VII. More trench life
VIII. The way home

Appendices

A. Biography of Henry Clayton Darlington
B. Timeline, 1/5th Manchester Regiment at Gallipoli
C. Embarkation state
D. Orders and messages, Third Krithia
E. Orders and messages, 6/7 August
F. Nominal roll, officers, 6 May — 1 Oct 1915
G. Casualties
H. Biographies, 1/5th Manchesters
I. Biographies, other units
J. 42 Division order of battle and field state

Recommended reading
Abbreviations and acronyms

Maps

5th Manchesters company distribution
Gallipoli
Helles, southern area
Observation Hill
Krithia Spur
Morning of 4 June 1915
Night of 4 June 1915
Morning of 6 August 1915
Morning of 7 August 1915
Afternoon of 7 August 1915
42nd Division section from 19 August 1915
Opposing lines, Helles, 30 September 1915

Index

Index - Letters from Helles (904KB)

Reviews

“It is to be hoped that this little book will be widely read, particularly by those who have no experience of the Great War, for life in the trenches at Helles from the end of April, 1915, until the end of September is described as vividly and faithfully as one could desire.”

— The Army Quarterly, Vol. XXXII. No. 2., July 1936

About the author

Colonel Sir Henry Darlington

Wigan solicitor, Boer War veteran and decorated Great War commander who led the 1/5th Manchester Regiment through Gallipoli and France—a citizen-soldier knighted for lifetime service.