“Training was being carried out in long distance route marches, the weight of packs being increased to at least 70 pounds in order to bring the Force up to the state of fitness required for a campaign in the rough and mountainous country of the Gallipoli Peninsula—the scene of the coming struggle. The final preparations of organisation and equipment were now effected, and on Friday, April 9th, entraining for Alexandria commenced.
As Alexandria was reached and detraining completed, embarkation proceeded without loss of time. On April 10th the first of the transports drew out from the harbour where lay sheltered ships of many nationalities. The Regiment was allotted the Annaberg, one of the several captured enemy vessels lying at Alexandria, which was like most of the others—filthy beyond description, and abominably louse-ridden.” [Excerpt From: Lieut. A. E. Byrne. “Official History of the Otago Regiment, N.Z.E.F. in the Great War 1914-1918.” iBooks.]
A total number of 6324 New Zealanders would sail for the Dardanelles, including 522 reinforcements who would remain on board the transports until called for. [Pugsley, Christopher "Gallipoli - The New ZEaland Story", 2014 p99] The New Zealand and Australian Division, under the command of Major General Sir Alexander Godley, embarked on 13 ships, which left Alexandria individually, making for the fleet rendezvous at Mudros Harbour at the island of Lemnos.
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