“The most elaborate arrangements were made for the evacuation. The success of the whole movement depended on accurate timing and on everyone knowing just exactly when and where he was to move. The evacuation, as far as Auckland were concerned, was to stretch over two nights—Saturday the 18th, and Monday the 20th of December. The first night two parties were to leave, one at six, and the other at nine o'clock. On the second night the remainder of the Battalion were to leave in three parties—one leaving at six, the second at nine, and the last—a small covering party of four officers and thirty-nine men—at two o'clock in the morning.”
“The long file of men passed by the graves of their dead with no spoken word, but with a reverence that needed no words. In the hour of defeat men reconsecrated themselves to victory.
The lighters were ready. In half an hour all were on board. At two o'clock the rearguard withdrew. Just before their time was up a shout ran along the Turkish line. …The rearguard "stood-to," ready to die like men. The slow minutes ticked past. They had offered themselves, but the offering was not taken. Nevertheless, their heroism is not lessened.” [Excerpt From: O. E. Burton. “The Auckland Regiment.” ]
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