General Information

Monument at Gallipoli

Gallipoli

When war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only thirteen years. The new government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers set out to take the Gallipoli Peninsula, open the way to the Black Sea and capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), capital of the Ottoman Empire.

They landed at Gallipoli on 25th April, meeting fierce resistance from the Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold strike to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months ... more than 8,000 Australian soldiers were killed …

A party of fifteen from Ballina RSL Club headed for Turkey on 19th April 2008. Their tour began in Istanbul with a cruise on the Bosphorus, welcome drinks with Australian War historians and a visit to the Blue Mosque. The group also went on to visit the ANZAC Commemorative Site, Anzac Cove, Shrapnel Valley and Beach Cemetery.

On 25th April 2008, they were part of a truly international gathering of people commemorating the tragic events of the 25th April 1915...

In their own words …

Why did you want to go to Gallipoli?

Gallipoli1 “Because I think that it’s one of the few sites in the world that Australians have a real connection to. It’s a pilgrimage that I’ve always wanted to do.”

“Quite simply … because I’m Australian. I thought the experience would tell me something about our great nation … and also something about me. It did!”

“I thought it would be a great Aussie thing to do.”

“Since early childhood I have attended many dawn services and Anzac Day marches and often wondered what Gallipoli was really like. I consider myself really fortunate that I have been there and was able to pay my respects to the fallen.”

What were some of the highlights of the tour?

“Setting your eyes for the first time on the famous Anzac Cove places you in the moment. You’re suddenly extremely aware of exactly where you are and how important the events were that happened here. It’s not just any beach … it’s quite eerie and it’s easy to imagine things happening before your eyes, almost hearing the gunfire...”

“Learning more about Ataturk and the amazing commitment to friendship that the Turkish have towards Australians and New Zealanders.”

“To be standing in a cemetery where the battle actually took place is a sombre reflection but strangely now … peaceful existence. The cemeteries are well-maintained and the Gallipoli Peninsula is quite stunning.”

“The services are important in a ritualistic, official gathering sense and it’s wonderful to see the number of Australians making the pilgrimage, particularly the younger generations. It is something that must continue to keep happening to keep the legacy alive on a large and united scale…”

“Having time to chill out and stroll the streets of Cannakale, getting to see the locals living their normal lives, like the local children singing and doing a gymnastics display in the square.”

“The shopping trips to the Spices and Grand Bazaars in Istanbul were amazing … all those pashminas ….and all that Turkish Delight … I didn’t know what to buy first! Of course, some of those in our group were better at the art of haggling than others!!”

“Having two of our children with us to share this experience.”

“It was very moving walking around the cemeteries.”

What will you most remember about your experience at Gallipoli?

Gallipoli “It’s an interesting feeling to be welcomed back into a country where so many lives on both sides were lost. If the situation was reversed, would this still be the case do you think? That is, if Turkey had attempted to invade Australia - our homeland - would
we be inviting them back after all these years for commemorative purposes?”

“Escaping from the rest of the tour and sitting by myself in Shell Green Cemetery for half an hour, soaking up the history and beauty of the place.”

“When you think about the job that faced those officials who had to re-enter these sites 4 years after the armistice … the decisions they were confronted with about how to respectfully bury the remains of those they could find … now merely piles of skeletons and bone. Most cemeteries are, of course, right there where the battle was fought and the bodies slain.”

“Walking through the trenches and trying to imagine the odds stacked against our soldiers. The Turks had superior numbers, commanding positions and of course the resolve to protect their homeland. Our ‘diggers’ and ‘kiwis’ truly deserve the title of heroes. Future dawn services and Anzac Days will be more emotional for me.”

“Seeing the terrain and conditions first hand explains why the loss of life was so high for so little gain.”

Is there any core message or life principle that you will be taking away from the Gallipoli experience?

Gallipoli3 “The compassion that can be shown, even in times of war … the spirit of mateship wasn’t something just shared among the Anzacs, but also between the Anzacs and the Turks.”

“It wasn’t until I visited the area, and heard the stories of the schools being closed because there was no-one to attend them, that I understood how much was lost during these wars. Yet we continue to make the same mistakes over and over again. I guess I will be really taking away how much wars affect countries, and how, most of the time, they only lead to more war.”

“Humanity in the face of futility was the only true victor here – the bravery, determination, resilience and respect shown by both sides in such treacherous and enormously difficult circumstances.”

“That there are absolutely no winners in war only lost lives and broken families. We should all strive to live in peace, starting in our homes and our daily lives.”

A Message of Reconciliation & Peace …

Following the war, Ataturk (Turkish Commander & Turkish President post WWI) had this to say to the Anzacs and the families of the Anzacs:

“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives …
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country, therefore rest in peace.
There is no difference between the Johnnie’s and the Mehmet’s to us, where they lie side by side here in this country of ours …
You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries,
Wipe away your tears;
Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace.
After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well.”

These words are now displayed on a special memorial, located close to Anzac Cove.

Why did the Ballina RSL organise a club tour to Gallipoli?

Gallipoli4 It’s one way that the Ballina RSL nurtures its origins and fosters remembrance and commemoration – we are keeping the legacy alive at home and on an international level.

The Club also has a full-scale military museum located on the ground floor of the Ballina RSL dedicated to this purpose every day of the year.

Neither initiative is associated with the glorification of war … they are, instead, connected to the development of empathy, understanding … and to the importance of respect, reconciliation and … peace.
Lest We Forget.