The grave of Alfred ‘Dickenson’ (Dickinson) near Fisherman’s Hut, Gallipoli. Dickinson, a trooper in the Wellington Mounted Rifles, was killed in action defending No. 3 Outpost on 30 May 1915. He is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial at Gallipoli.
In July 1915, the Wanganui Chronicle published a letter sent by chaplain William Grant to Dickinson’s brother, Thomas, explaining the circumstances of ‘Alf’s’ death:
The Trenches, 3-6-’15.
Dear Mr Dickinson, — You have my sympathy in the loss of your gallant brother. He was one of a little band of heroes who held an outpost in the face of overwelming odds for 28 hours. He and others perished in the attempt before the post was relieved, the marvel being that any returned. The affair will be an obscure incident in a great war, but nevertheless it might easily have been another “Rorke’s Drift.” Our wounded were brought out with incredible difficulty, and your brother died on the journey to the dressing station. We buried him there, on a spur of Walker’s Ridge, rising steeply from the sea and commanding an exquisite view of sea and land, with islands in the near distance; the place being known as "Fisherman’s Hut," towards midnight on Sunday, 30th May, after repulsing an attack of the enemy, in which four more were wounded.
You may well be proud in your sorrow, that your brother died at the post of duty, like a good soldier, giving his life with so many more for the liberties of the world. That God our Father may comfort and succour you and all who loved him, is the prayer of — Yours in sincerest sympathy,
WILLIAM GRANT, C.F.Wanganui Chronicle, 28 July 1915
Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: 1/4-058171
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