Anzac Day is coming up, a very special day for Australians and New Zealanders as it is the 100th anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand troops landing on Gallipoli Peninsula in an effort to capture the Straits of the Dardanelles and ultimately Constantinople. Although the campaign is recorded as "an heroic but costly failure" the 25th April has become a day of national commemoration.
As part of preparations for our local commemorative service, I went to visit the 88 year old son of a man whose claim to fame was that he was one of the first 12 allied soldiers to step ashore on the beach north of Gaba Tepe which is now known as Anzac Cove. Considered an experienced soldier because he had served in the Boer War and in India, he'd been sent ashore to prepare for the main landing.
During my visit I was shown this picture. It is the father, one of two men marching a captured Turkish soldier through camp to headquarters to the bemusement of those around him. The man in question is the soldier holding the left arm of the blindfolded Turk. Little did they realise what misery lay ahead of them over the next eight months.
I've just finished watching a program on TV about Gallipoli and it just about brings me to tears knowing how they all suffered so much! This is a very special photo!
I of course know about Anzac Day but didn't until this week no much detail but after seeing the film The Water Deviner I am much better informed. I thorouly recommend it. I know it's been shown in NZ because my son has recently watched it. Amazing to see a real life reminder of these brave men. A pretty pointless war it was too with thousands killed on both sides.
