Volume Twelve - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - further aspects - The Bristol Channel District Guide - selected articles - [1934 Edition] . . . .

Frost-Bitten Heroes.

When the storm had blown itself out, the " Barry " went to Suvla Beach to take off cases of frost-bitten British soldiers. A naval V.C. captain super-intended operations. He sank a couple of small steamers to provide a breakwater, and gangways were run out to bring the sufferers aboard for Mudros. Some very touching scenes were witnessed as our men came down down to the beach.

Some could only crawl along, and their progression was painful and slow. Many of the men had only scanty clothing, for they came away with anything they could put on, only too glad at the prospect of getting away. Both officers and men of the " Barry" did all they could for their stricken heroes.

Three or four times the " Barry " put off with something like 750 sufferers aboard on each trip and discharged them into hospital lighters and hospital ships for Mudros. She afterwards carried on her duties till the evacuation.

The " Barry " the last to leave Suvla Beach.

In the final evacuation of our forces, the gallant " Barry " played a prominent part. With the transport " Princess Ena, " she stood alongside the embarkation stage, and packed the troops as fast as they arrived. The first load the " Barry " transferred to the battleship " Magnificent, " then back again for more for Imbros, while others were taken to Mudros.

The last few loads beat all records, and totaled as many as 800 at a time. They were packed aboard anywhere and everywhere, and were taken out and transferred to the " Magnificent. " And all the time she worked at top speed, being off and back again for more in half an hour. So smart was the work that the superintending Beach-master complimented her skipper on his handling of the boat.

After three hours' wait the " Barry " took off the rearguard, and, when were all safely aboard, steamed away, the last ship to leave Suvla Beach, The Beach-master and his assistants, having made all final arrangements, set the remaining stores on fire and came off in a pinnace.