He makes it all sound so easy! This gentleman was one of the boys trapped in the Horseshoe (the nearest point to Achi Baba). After surviving the bayonet charge, by the time he started his heroic crawl through the Turkish lines - he would have been without water for approx. 35-40 hours. Arriving safely back at Allied lines - he then returned to the Horseshoe to re-assure his comrades help was on it's way!
Letter written by William Kerrigan, dated 27th July 1915.
"Just a few lines to let you know I am still in the best of health. I have got some good news to tell you which I am sure will please you all. I was sent for last night and told by the Captain that I had been recommended for the D.C.M. for what I had done on the night of the charge, and he was almost sure I would get it. It gives me great pleasure to think I have done a little bit for my country, and there was many a brave action done that night that was never seen.
It happened that there was an Officer in the trench, and he asked me to take a message to another trench, which I did, and I returned again without a scratch, which I have only God in Heaven to thank for. You know the Officer well (I mean my Father does). He is Lt Miller, and a hero every inch of him. He is a credit to the town, and I never will forget his bravery that night, for if anyone did his duty it was him.
I would give anything now for a drink of the good old Auchmountain Dew. Tell them to keep my plot in the pink of condition, and they won't need anybody to navy the roads when I get home, for I am getting plenty of digging here. Tell the chaps at home to hurry up with the shot and shell, and send plenty, for that's the only way to get this war ended."
Honours
Received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for Valour on 12/07/15. For conspicuous gallantry at Gallipoli, when, with great bravery, he advanced under heavy fire over 200 yards of open ground to get into communication with troops on the right flank. Returning with information which enabled the position to be consolidated.
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