Lest We Forget

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I vaguely recall studying WWI in school. But it's not until you come to Gallipoli that you get a true appreciation for what the Aussies, Kiwis, Brits and other Allied troops fought for.

It was an overwhelming experience to wander the battlefields and memorials, and reflect on the horrendous loss of life. And to thınk it may have been averted if the Brits hadn't reneged on delivering 2 battleships to the Turks!

Our guide was really great and went through the history and sequence of events plus lots of stories. It was interesting to also visit the Turkish memorials, as this was when Ataturk (national hero and past president) came into his own. There certainly seemed to be a lot of respect between the 2 sides.

May we always remember those who fought on these faraway shores. RIP.

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Photos

Anzac Cove
When the Allied troops landed on 25th April 1915, they only met resistance from 160 Turkish soldiers. Luckily (or was it planned?) they didn't land further south at Brighton Beach where over 2000 soldiers were waiting.

Ari Burnu cemetery
With the hills in the background that the Allied troops scaled on 25 April

Turkish lift
There was an Allied soldier who was crying out for help in no man's land. A Turkish soldier under a white flag hopped out of his trench, picked up the wounded soldier and carried him to the Allied trenches.

Lone Pine
On 6th August, Aussie soldiers charged 60 metres and captured the Turkish trenches. But for 5 days this area witnessed the worst fighting of the campaign. The attack was designed to draw Turkish troops from the Allied landings at Chunuk Bair and Suvla Bay. It resulted in the deaths of 2200 Aussies and 4000 Turks.

No Man's Land
The road roughly represents No Man's Land. In some places it was less than 20 metres apart. The rationale for this was to prevent the Allied warships from bombing the Turkish lines as they were too close to the Allied trenches.

Front line
Apparently the Aussies dug around 372 kms of trenches. May explain why they were called "diggers".

Turkish soldiers
While we were visiting the Turkish memorial, a busload of Turkish lads doing their compulsory military service showed up. It's easy to forget that Gallipoli means a lot to the Turks as well

Dardenelles
This is what the Allies were fighting for. To get Turkey to withdraw from the war and allow the Russians access via the Dardenelles to the Mediterranean Sea during the winter months

Ataturk statue
Ataturk won back Cunuk Bair on 10th August, and pushed back the Allies to only 1km inland. This is the furthest they ever got during the campaign

Cape Helles memorial
Commemorating the deaths of approx 21000 unknown Allied soldiers

Comments

[Uncle Chop Chop]

Congrats..
Just a random aussie passerby, who took a quick look at this blog.... glad i did... awesome pics.... well done! The quotes from Ataturk and Gen. Birdwood really are very moving....

[Kate Fiko]

Woha!
Sure your blog on the home page and though it was worth a look as we are going to Turkey in a few weeks and Gallipoli was very high up on our list of things to do when we get there. Now it is our first priority! What a moving place..... Thank you to all those who fought for us

[norma cross]

Wondeful photo"s My Grandmother used to sing me a little silly song about The Dardanelles when I was small, I"m now 64 and always wondered what the Dardenelles where, now I know