402. A FIRST WORLD WAR ARCHIVE AND JOURNAL GIVING A FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF NAVAL OPERATIONS IN THE DARDANELELS IN 1915 BY LIEUTENANT JOHN WATSON RIDDLE ABOARD H.M.S. CORNWALLIS.

A fascinating first-hand account of the Naval operations in the Dardanelles by an experienced junior officer from the 19th February 1915 'First shot fired by Lieutenant Commander Stewart from fore turret of Cornwallis' to February 1916 when Riddle appears to join H.M.S. Prosperpine. Cornwallis had arrived at Tenedos on the 13th of February 1915. She played an important part in the campaign from the opening bombardment where she did indeed fire the first shell of the bombardment. She supported the landings in April 1915 and covered the evacuation of the peninsula at the end of the year firing some 500 12inch shells and 6,000 6 inch rounds. Finally, being the last large ship to leave the Suvla Bary area.
The journal records a day-by-day account of actions from the first shells to the last withdrawal, continual bombardment, regularly coming under fire as well as reports of German planes overhead, torpedo attacks, casualties being recovered from shore, casualties aboard other ships, and so on. The journal gives a fascinating insight in to the unrelenting nature of the bombardments and the freezing conditions in which they were often operating. More unusual reports of the introduction of dummy ships. A small collection of photographs and press cuttings accompany the album showing Cornwallis, fires on shore, ships and other activities.
A collection of documents accompany the journal including certificates of Service for 91696 John Watson Riddle (born 3rd April 1860) recording Service from joining the service having been a school boy on the 27th May 1875 until 31st December 1884. A further takes service up to 4th September 1890. Various letters of appointment continue to the outbreak of the War when he received his commission as a Lieutenant. An album of 45 certificates which give a highly satisfactory report of his character and abilities. A Commission in the Royal Navy to the rank of Boatswain 18th January 1892, Chief Boatswain, 24th May 1910 and Lieutenant from the 14th November 1914. Also, a birth certificate and two photographs of Riddle in uniform, and others of his family.