Second-Lieutenant A. R. Heighway is with Lieut.-Colonel Elliott's 7th Victorian Battalion, in the capacity of a platoon commander. In Australia he is also with Colonel Elliott, being connected with the 58th Essendon Rifles. He was an old Wesley Collegian, and was a member of the school rifle team in 1910.

The Argus Monday 3 May 1915

LIEUTENANT HEIGHWAY SEVERELY WOUNDED.

Second-Lieutenant A. R. Heighway is with Lieut.-Colonel Elliott's ,7th Victorian Battalion, in the capacity of a platoon commander. In Australia he is also with Colonel Elliott, being connected with the 58th Essendon Rifles. He was an old Wesley Collegian, and was a member of the school rifle team in 1910. Lieutenant Heighway was an officer of the Bank of Australasia, Rutherglen, and with Lieutenant Denehy was in charge of the Rutherglen Corps of the citizen forces.

On Monday Mr H. O'Brien wired to Mr Heighway, sen., and received the following favorable reply:—

Thanks for enquiry; had cable from Bert, in hospital, progressing favorably."

LIEUTENANT HEIGHWAY SEVERELY WOUNDED. (1915, May 4). Rutherglen Sun and Chiltern Valley Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved June 18, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129457587

Severely Wounded.
Lieut. A. R. Heighway, 7th Battalion, and a member of the Essendon Rifles.

Essendon Gazette, 6 May 1915

Landing at Gallipoli

"Nobody was hit until we got within twenty yards of the shore, and they turned a machine gun on us.  One of my men was hit first through the neck, then I was next to get it through the chest.  I quivered like a rabbit, but pulled myself together at once.  I was steering the boat at the time, so I had to let go with my hands, and use the tiller with my foot".

The Age, 12 June 1915.

Extract in The White Ghurkas. p 34.  Austin relates that Heighway lay in the boat for several hours before being removed to a hospital ship.

LIEUTENANT HEIGHWAY.

In Lieutenant E. E. Spargo's letter, published in the " Argus" on Wednesday, he refers to " Bert" Heighway as follows:

" The landing of the 2nd Brigade was to commence half an hour after that of the 3rd. On the --- --- we had the 6th and 7th, less one company ; but at the appointed time to commence, the navy tow had not arrived alongside, so ship's boats were launched, and the first company of the 7th started to row ashore. It was fine to look over at these fellows, some of them so youthful, almost so babyish in appearance that in the ordinary course of events they would be still tied to their mother's apron-strings, smiling an laughing as though they were off to a picnic. These boats, before they reached the shore, came under the fire of machine guns. In one boat one officer, Mr Heighway, who is now in this ward, and seven men were wounded. Four others were killed. In the other two boats fewer men were hit. Some of the men who wore rowing were hit, but continued to row till the shore was reached. By this time the navy tows had started at the --- ---- , and disembarkation was carried out as rapidly as possible. The 7th went first, then the 6th, and 8 a.m. the last boat had left.  Colonel H. E. Elliott, in his letter, states that Major Jackson, Lieuts.  Chapman, Heron and Heighway, with 30 or 40 men, were struck down as they left the boats.

CAPTAIN LAYH'S VERSION.

In a previous issue we mentioned that Capt. H. T. C. Layh, brother of Mr V. Layh, Rutherglen, had been wounded. The following letter from Capt. Layh appeared in Wednesday's " Argus" :—

Bullets Zipped Around.

Captain H. T. C. Layh, of 7th Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade, writes:— You will have seen by the papers long before this that we have at last received our baptism of fire, and what the results of the fighting have been. After leaving Mena Camp, and embarking at Alexandria, it was about a week before we sailed, and then we went to the island of Lemnos, where we waited for a week. The time dragged very slowly, and we mainly practised getting up and down into the ship's boats by means of rope ladders over the. side. At last, on Saturday, April 24, we received orders to sail that evening. There was a manoeuvre by the fleet as part of the plan of operations, and we finally dropped anchor about half-past four on Sunday morning. We could hear the firing going on, and the shells from the Turks' guns fell very close to us. As there was no tow for us, the colonel decided that we were to row ashore in the boats. I was in the first lot of boats, and we started gaily for the shore. As we drew near we could see the water was being churned up by the bullets, and that were in for a hot time. The rowers pulled hard, and we entered the beaten zone at a good pace. The bullets zipped around us like bees. Before the keel grated on the beach five or six of the rowers wore shot, together with many others. As a matter of fact, only 10 out of 20 left the boats, the rest being either dead or wounded. As I was climbing out of the boat a bullet hit me in the left buttock.  We sprinted across the beach, and took cover behind some small sand heaps, leaving some more lying on the beach.

A Second Present.

I received my second present in the calf of the right leg, but it didn't stop me. Once we were behind cover the Turks turned their machine guns on to us, and gave us a lively ten minutes. A poor chap next to me was hit three times. He begged me to shoot him, but luckily for him a fourth bullet got him and put him out of  pain. The fire was so hot that we could not expose a finger in safety. I called out to the sergeant behind me, and on

LIEUTENANT HEIGHWAY. (1915, June 11). Rutherglen Sun and Chiltern Valley Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2.  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129458400

Letters from the Front.  

LIEUT. A. R. HEIGHWAY.

Lieut. A. R. Heighway, a young officers not yet 21 years of age, who was wounded in the Gallipoli, has written the following letter to his father, Mr. A. E. Heighway, of Melbourne: - "We left Cairo about six weeks ago (the end of March), the news being welcomed by all ranks. I was immediately appointed baggage officer to the regiment, and was responsible for the loading and unloading of all regimental stores— a very tedious job. I started  about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and finished about 5.30 the next morning. Half of our regiment left from Ab-u-ella station and half from Cairo No. 7 platform.

"We arrived at Alexandria at 8.30 a.m. the following morning, the   train taking us right on to the pier. We then embarked on the Calika (sic), bound for goodness knows where, but were informed as soon as we left port that we were bound for the Dardanells (sic). Well, we got going a couple of days after we embarked (we had to wait to take on provisions) and after four days' sailing arrived a Lemnos, a beautiful island south of Gallipoli, in the  Grecian Archipelago. This island was claimed by the Turks, and also by the Greeks. As soon as the British arrived they expelled all the Turks and used it as an intermediate base for our troops. We arrived at the entrance of the harbor just at dawn. The entrance was guarded by four torpedo boat destroyers, and a huge submarine net with an opening just large enough for a transport to steam, through, and there laying just inside, were twenty or so British battleships, including that magnificent Dreadnought Queen Elizabeth. The inside harbor is very small, and to allow the transports to come in every two ships had to tie up together. We all fully believed we would be there for a few days only, but it was three weeks before we got away to Gallipoli. Our stay there was  not without excitement. At dawn about three days after we arrived a German Taube was seen overhead doing a little reconnaissance. He did not drop any bombs, so we were quite safe. We practised disembarking at Lemnos, getting down rope ladders into small boats and rowing ashore, and taking up a position on the beach. Unfortunately we only had an opportunity of going ashore once, but we had a very interesting day. We skirmished about a mile and took up a position on a hill over looking a small picturesque village in a valley surrounded by Dutch wind mills. These mills looked very pretty—the huge sails going around slowly. The people were grinding wheat and oats.  We went over to investigate. The women folk could not do enough for us, and they showed us all round the place. The village itself is very clean —the main street being about 100 yards long. The houses are built of stone very rudely laid. The main industry is wheat growing, and at the time we arrived the crops were about six inches high and intermingled with wild flowers of all varieties. The first thing that strikes you when you get on shore is the strong smell of these flowers. I picked a few and pressed them in a book, which I hope I don't lose before I get home

A Trip on the Queen Elizabeth.

"About four days before we left for Turkey all the battalion commanders went for a trip on the Queen Elizabeth to have a look for a possible landing place. They had a glorious trip. They chose a place on the western shore of the Gallipoli Peninsula at Caba Tepe (sic). Of course the navy is working in conjunction with us, and gives us every help possible. It seems funny to be bossed by lads of 14 to 16 years of age. These little midshipmen are in charge of a boat when they land us on the beach, but as soon as we set foot on shore we take command. The navy has command until then.

"About 9 a.m.on Saturday morning 25th April, we weighed anchor and sailed out of the harbor for Gallipoli. We got as far as Tenedos about 2 p.m., and anchored again until nightfall. Just  after dark we started for the fun. We steamed northward very slowly, with the 'Bull Dogs' close at hand. I did not stay up to see what was going on, but went to bed early, because I wanted to rest before the scramble next morning. We were all up at 3 a.m., and get ting everything ready for disembarking. The men were very keen.

Gun Blown Into Air.

''I'll never forget that morning as long as I live. We had stopped by 4 a.m. just opposite our landing place. The Third Brigade had   been landing all through the night and met with very little opposition,  but just at dawn—at 5 a m.—we started to get into the boats to and you ought to have heard the noise. The enemy seemed to have sprung up from the bowels of the earth. Shrapnel was bursting all round us. Several shells screamed overhead and dropped into the water without bursting. Then all of a sudden our war ships let bang, and the row was terrific. The Qeen (sic) Elizabeth sent a broadside on to Kaba Tepe (sic), and blew a gun which the Turks were using with good effect into the air.

The Row to the Shore.

"During this performance we were rowing to the shore. Every thing was going on nicely. I might say I did not feel the least bit

nervous, but when we got within 50 yards of the shore, the Turks  opened fire on us. Then things were not too pleasant, because we could not reply. Well, the bullets started to zip all round us. Nobody was hit until we got within twenty yards of the shore, and they turned a machine gun on to us. One of my men was hit first through the neck, then I was the next to get it through the chest.  It nearly knocked me out of the boat, I quivered up like a rabbit, but pulled myself together at once. I was steering the boat at the time, so l had to let go with my hands and use the tiller with  my foot. I managed to keep the boat nosed for the shore. The poor chaps that were rowing stuck bravely to it, and so did the others. You could see a look of revenge on all their faces. As as we bumped the shore they scrambled out except myself, three killed and seven wounded. I tried hard to get out, but I got as far as amidships and there I had to stay in the bottom of the boat. I  believe a lot of my men were killed when they were stepping on to the shore. The company eventually landed and took up a position on the beach taking advantage of the scrub as cover. The country was greatly in favor of the Turks on account of the hills and the thickness of the scrub. As a matter of fact our fellows could not see the Turks for quite a long while. When they did they drove them off the hill. The Turks kept up a continuous fire on the boats although they knew they were full  of dead and wounded.

While I was lying there one just took the skin off my shoulder and  the other ripped my haversack. Dozens of them went within an inch of me. When the bullets cut through the sides of the boat you could smell the burning paint. A shell came screaming towards us once. It touched the side of the boat and went into the water without exploding, but sent up a huge spray that nearly drowned us. About three hours afterwards the Red Cross came to our assistance, and our wounds were doctored. I was for seven hours in a cramped position in that boat before I got to the hospital ship. It was a great relief to get between sheets. One of  my men died on the way to Alexandria.  

"The Queen Elizabeth was doing work shelling right across the peninsula on to Kahlid Bahr (sic). We arrived at Alexandria on Thursday, 30th.  I have been in bed ever since. To-day is the 9th  ann (sic) I expect to be up in a few days, suppose our names have been published in the papers. I hope you did not get a shock, but  I am getting on splendidly.  

P.S.—I forgot to tell you that I learnt afterwards that we landed 1ooo yards further north than our intended landing place. It was a lucky mistake, because they found the Turks had wire entanglements underneath the water, and several  other obstacles."

A cablegram was received from Lieut. Heighway last week that he is progressing favorably.

Letters from the Front. (1915, June 22). Nathalia Herald and Picola, Narioka, Kotupna and Moira Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved June 18, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130053096

LIEUT. BERT. HEIGHWAY, who was seriously wounded at the landing at Gallipoli, is now on a visit to the Nathalia district, and is staying at Mr J. B. Gundry's, Yielima. He is making a good recovery.

LIEUT. BERT. HEIGHWAY,. (1915, October 21). Shepparton Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 - 1953), p. 3 Edition: EVENING.. Retrieved June 18, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91363097

LIEUT. HEIGHWAY.    

At a successful flower show held at Nathalia, last week, Lieut. Heighway, 7th. Battalion, who is now convalescent from a wound received at the landing in Gallipoli, was presented with a gold souvenir by Mr. E. A. Neeld, the president of the recruiting committee. The receipts of the flower show go to the funds of the Mooroopna Hospital.

LIEUT. HEIGHWAY. (1915, November 8). Shepparton Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 - 1953), p. 3 Edition: EVENING.. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91365524

WELCOME HOME.

On Tuesday Lieutenant Heighway who was previously an officer at the Bank of Australasia, Rutherglen, and enlisted with the first expeditionary forces, arrived back in Rutherglen on the night train. Lieut. Heighway was met at the railway station by the Mayor (Cr A. H. Stewart), several borough councillors, and a number of  friends. The Mayor welcomed Lieut. Heighway on his return to Rutherglen, and trusted that he would speedily recover from his wounds, and that there was still further promotion ahead. After the mayor's welcome cheers were given for Lieut. Heighway. In responding, Lieut Heighway stated that he was pleased being enabled to meet Rutherglen friends again. He appreciated the Mayor's kind remarks and trusted that as soon as he  was reported fit the country would make further use of  his services.

Lieut. Heighway was one of the landing party when the Australians landed in Gallipoli, and was wounded before the boat reached the shore. The bullet struck him in the back, and went right though, also through a small re...lation book that he had in his pocket. Speaking to Lieut. Heighway he stated that he is doing well and trusts that the medical board will allow him to again .... forward.

WELCOME HOME. (1915, November 12). Rutherglen Sun and Chiltern Valley Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved June 18, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129461857

GALLIPOLI OFFICER AT CAMP.  

Lieut. Heighway, who has taken up work with the Army Service Corps at the Geelong camp is a fine type of Officer who was in some hot corners in Gallipoli Peninsula and was severely wounded. A bullet went through his lungs and out through the back. He has made a capital recovery, and his presence at camp will be valuable both by example and experience. To-morrow Major Purnell expects a good batch of newcomers from the recruit in in depot in Melbourne. A strong class for non-com. officers begins work to-day, and there is promise of a fine staff of leaders being turned out.

GALLIPOLI OFFICER AT CAMP. (1916, February 10). Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1857 - 1918), p. 4. Retrieved June 19, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119732062