After another massive 5 star breakfast we set off for a day commemorating the Anzac tradition. After a ferry ride from Cannakale to Eceabat we proceeded to a well organised visitors' centre in the heart of the Gallipoli peninsula.
The 3D model made it much easier to understand the position of the Turkish troops and the Allies' strategy and landing. From this we were able to visualise even mor the bloody battles of 1915. During the course of the day we visited many Australian and New Zealand cemeteries.
At Anzac Cove Fr Ron led us in a prayer and then recited the Ode ".....age shall not weary them and the years condemn .." it was moving and especially so as we stood around the burial site of John Simpson Kirkpatrick (Simpson and his donkey). We were all given red poppies by Ron to wear or put in a special place.
At Lone Pine Cemetery we stood as a group under the shadow of the solitary pine tree and Gay led a reflection reading of Banjo Paterson's poem "We're all Australians Now" this was a moving and humbling moment.
It is sad to see all the graves and to think of all those young men both Allies and Turks who perished in the battles that raged for 9 months. But the war was not in vain - Turkey looks back to this as the beginning of their new Republic under the command of the successful General Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. His immortal words reassuring Australian and New Zealand mothers that their sons who died on Turkey's beaches were now Turkey's sons and they were in their care.
Lord Casey who would one day be Governor General of Australia was wounded at Gallipoli and carried to a safe place by a Turkish soldier - this too is depicted in a statue. It makes us all appreciate peace and our form of Government even more.
During the afternoon we were able to explore the trenches both Allied and Turk and to actually walk in them.
We must mention lunch - it was very traditional little family business, rustic wayside stop - we all enjoyed Turkish pancakes and tea - absolutely superb.
Then back to our 5 star plus Hotel Kolin - via the car/bus ferry - a quick swim, relax or shopping, prayers including the singing of the National Anthems of New Zealand and Australia before another great meal.
Tomorrow another day of big miles but Troy ad Pergumum on our way to Ismir.
The 3D model made it much easier to understand the position of the Turkish troops and the Allies' strategy and landing. From this we were able to visualise even mor the bloody battles of 1915. During the course of the day we visited many Australian and New Zealand cemeteries.
At Anzac Cove Fr Ron led us in a prayer and then recited the Ode ".....age shall not weary them and the years condemn .." it was moving and especially so as we stood around the burial site of John Simpson Kirkpatrick (Simpson and his donkey). We were all given red poppies by Ron to wear or put in a special place.
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| The group at ANZAC Cove |
At Lone Pine Cemetery we stood as a group under the shadow of the solitary pine tree and Gay led a reflection reading of Banjo Paterson's poem "We're all Australians Now" this was a moving and humbling moment.
It is sad to see all the graves and to think of all those young men both Allies and Turks who perished in the battles that raged for 9 months. But the war was not in vain - Turkey looks back to this as the beginning of their new Republic under the command of the successful General Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. His immortal words reassuring Australian and New Zealand mothers that their sons who died on Turkey's beaches were now Turkey's sons and they were in their care.
Lord Casey who would one day be Governor General of Australia was wounded at Gallipoli and carried to a safe place by a Turkish soldier - this too is depicted in a statue. It makes us all appreciate peace and our form of Government even more.
During the afternoon we were able to explore the trenches both Allied and Turk and to actually walk in them.
We must mention lunch - it was very traditional little family business, rustic wayside stop - we all enjoyed Turkish pancakes and tea - absolutely superb.
 |
| Turkish pancakes and tea |
Then back to our 5 star plus Hotel Kolin - via the car/bus ferry - a quick swim, relax or shopping, prayers including the singing of the National Anthems of New Zealand and Australia before another great meal.
Tomorrow another day of big miles but Troy ad Pergumum on our way to Ismir.
Gallipoli would be so interesting. Great to read about your time there.
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