Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of William MULREADY, 71 Paddington Street, Paddington, NSW

Trumpeter Maurice Mulready, a Fort Street boy, probably the youngest Australian who went to the front with the first contingent, and has nearly completed two years out there,  has written to his father, Warrant-Officer Mulready the following account of the big fight at Romani:—
” I pulled through that big fight all right, so do not worry. I came through with a clean skin, but some of my old comrades did not. We were in the first line of defence, the  absolute thick of it in the first attack. Don’t think I am boasting. We went out at about 2.30 on the morning of August 4, and got in touch with the enemy a couple of miles from  camp. The squadron’s separated. I am in ------ Troop.------- Squadron, you know. We formed a screen to draw the fire, and no sooner did we hit the top of a ridge than they began to fire into us. You never heard anything like it. We went about and down the hill a little, and dismounted for action, and up on the ridge again, and started firing. I got off  25 rounds of ammunition here.
"We again mounted, and retired at full gallop. The sensation I cannot describe. It’s great. You imagine me galloping full stretch, rifle slung over shoulder, a fast little mare under  me, waving my hat, yelling, whistling, and the bullets simply a hail. Over another ridge and then halted, and dismounted, and again up on the ridge and started firing. I stopped  here about two hours, and then another chap and I brought in a wounded mate that had been shot through the chest and out the back. While coming in with him I had my pants  torn by a bullet (my nearest shave). “At the commencement of the fight I said some little prayers that I might pull through all right, and I shall always believe in those little  prayers, as I believe they saved me. Anyhow, I lasted till midday, going all the time, running on foot. W e advanced and retired about two miles, and our brigadier was a  champion. He will do me. He was with us all the time, urging and encouraging us. W e were all going strong, and fixed the Johnnies (’Turks) up in good Australian style.
“ We had a great victory here. Thousands of prisoners, and knocked and ouled identy besides, and we beat them in about 3O hours. Tlie Johnnies don't half like the steel with an  Australian behind it. We charged them with fixed bayonets. Then the boys got near them up went their hands, and we took them prisoners. They were coining in absolutely in  droves, and we finished the light. Things are quiet now, but we really don't know for how long, but oh, inaleesh (never mind), let them all come. Well, now I think I shall say  good-night and rook majem (go to sleep)".