ANZAC Q&A - Who or what was "Beachy Bill"?

Image: An 18 pound field gun in action during a Turkish attack at Gallipoli. They are firing from McCay's Hill towards the Olive Grove.

Q.   Who or what was ‘Beachy Bill’?

A.   "Beachy Bill" was the collective nickname given to a battery of Turkish guns located in a position known as the "Olive Grove". The guns were constantly seeking out targets on the beach at Anzac Cove, thus the nickname. The following limerick, dedicated to ‘Beachy Bill’, appeared in The Anzac Book (1916):

            There’s a certain darned nuisance called ‘Beachy,’

            Whose shells are exceedingly screechy;

               But we’re keeping the score,

               And we’re after your gore –

                                        So look out, ‘Beachy Bill,’ when we meet ye

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