“We hear very sad accounts of our men. Before they could dig their trenches, they were swept by fire all along and lost heavily. Col. Stewart was killed on Sunday. Very busy day, but fewer casualties coming in.”

[Fenwick p9]

Douglas Macbean Stewart, 6/1171, Lieutenant Colonel, Canterbury Regiment, KIA 25/04/191

The New Zealand Division moved into the line in the Armentieres Sector with the Divisional Artillery to the south of Armentieres. Although this was considered a “quiet” sector and suitable as nursery for units new to the Western Front, it was not without hostile activity. The German trenches lay, for the most part, some 180 - 270 metres (200 - 300 yards) from the New Zealand trenches although in some places they were as close as a little over 50 metres (60 yards).

“The tedium of the 58-hour journey northwards in the trucks of the French Military train was relieved at the outset by the exquisite scenery of the Rhone Valley. The fresh green of the trees and rich grasser, the early flowers in the meadows, and the sunny woodlands, tricked out with the blossoms and pageantry of Spring, were in striking contrast with the monotony of the parched desert. The troops were in the highest spirits.

“The voyage to Marseilles over a calm sea was uneventful. Transports took different courses, and some touched at Malta. In addition to the ordinary routine, emphasis was laid on gas lectures, and gas helmets were issued. Every precaution was taken against submarines. No lights were allowed on deck between sunset and reveille, and all lights below were carefully shaded and deadlights closed. The minimum of noise was enjoined after dark.

“On 1st March authority was given for the assumption of the title "The New Zealand Division" instead of "The New Zealand and Australian Division," and the new formations and units were taken on strength. The labour travails were over and the new Division born.” The commanding officer was Major General Andrew Hamilton Russell.

Captain Alfred John Shout was born in Wellington on 7 August 1881. He served with the Border Horse and Cape Field Artillery in the South African war and remained in South Africa until 1905 when he settled in Australia with his wife and daughter. He joined the AIF as soon as war was declared and was appointed Second Lieutenant, 1st Battalion on 27 August 1915. He took part in the landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, and was awarded the Military Cross and Mentioned in Despatches for his actions over the next few weeks.

“About 1 a.m. the Brigade Commander sent for Lieut.-Col. Malone and gave orders that the battalion [Wellington] was to attack Chunuk Bair at 4.15 a.m. and that the attack would be preceded by a heavy bombardment of the enemy position on the ridge lasting three-quarters of an hour from 3.30 to 4.15.”