Gallipoli.........
It is here, when the Bugler plays the 'LAST POST' that tears form in our eyes, and we hope, that we will never experience an event like this ever again. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Turkish soldier carrying Australian soldier
 |
 |
Gallipoli...........
I visited Gallipoli with a tour by "TJ's Tours" I was staying at Canakkale so had to catch the ferry across to Eceabat where their office was. I paid for the Ferry, then they reimbursed me the money. Their office is right on the square where you arrive. Our Tour guide was a very knowledgable young man, who filled us in on the History and answered the questions we put to him. I think most of us found out more than we already knew, and we also got to hear the view-point of a Turkish person. We were never rushed, had plenty of time for photos and to browse, and he also took photos for us. I couldn't fault the tour. It went from 1pm - 7pm. I think doing a tour of this area was a great choice!
|
|
Favourite spots: |
I don't think anything could come under favorite here, but what I wanted to see was Lone Pine cemetery. Here, I came across the grave of a Private James Charles Martin, who hailed from Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia. He enlisted in the Army on 12th April, 1915, AGED 14 YEARS & 3 MONTHS. He did so with the blessing of his parents, even though the required legal age was 18years. He sailed to Egypt first, with the 1st reinforcements of the 21st Battalion. Later, he was sent to Gallipoli, and landed there September 1915. There were casualties, but the Battalion dwindled in size through the constant hard work, food shortages and sickness. He was among those evacuated as he was sick with enteritis. He died onboard the Hospital Ship, and was buried at sea the same day. This, and many others are so sad to read.
|
|
What's really great: |
LONE PINE CEMETERY
When you visit this cemetery you will notice the not very handsome lone Pine Tree When some Soldiers returned to Australia, they had Pine Cones with them from this Tree, and now in Australia, we have descendants of this tree. During the war years, the Turks had chopped down all the Pine trees and used them in their trenches, but for some unknown reason, they left one. The original Pine tree was destroyed, but seeds were returned from Australia back to Turkey, and now the new one is there! Australian soldiers called it Lonesome Pine, because of a popular song of the day called Trail of the Lonesome Pine
On the history side, this is the main Australian Memorial in Gallipoli. It commemorates 3268 Aussies & 456 New Zealanders who died and have no known grave, and also 960 Aussies & 252 New Zealanders that were buried at sea, I think we tend to forget about these.
|
|
Sights: |
For Australians, this is the best known place on Gallipoli, this is where it all happened! It was here that 42,000 Turkish Troops, were up against 12,500 ANZACS.
On April 25th, 1915, the ANZAC'S waded ashore here. They were sent immediately into battle, and by the afternoon, the Beach was crowded with wounded and dead men. Thousands & thousands of men lost their lives here. At one stage, a cease fire was called for 8 hours so that each side could collect their wounded & dead.
When you come here and look, its hard to imagine what it was like. I wished I had an old photo with me to compare. Now, there has been a road pushed in the side of the Hill.
A sad place in history.
|
|
Accommodations: |
I chose to stay at the Anzac Hotel which is located opposite the Clock Tower, and a short walk to the Ferry Terminal, and also the Truva Bus Office in Canakkale. The location was excellent! I found the staff to be very helpful and nice. Nothing was too much for them. They also have a good selection of Brochures on Turkey, in all languages. They gave me infomation on Gallipoli when I arrived. My room was large, with a city view. It had a T.V. Fridge, Air conditioning, the shower was in a small bath (a bit hard to get into) and a Double bed. This was a Single room. Internet was FREE. They had a lift, which is great when your older!
BREAKFAST WAS INCLUDED, and this was a Buffet which had ample to choose from.
My stay here was pleasant and I would stay here again.
|
|
Other recommendations: |
TURKISH MEMORIAL -57th REGIMENT MEMORIAL PARK
The 1st thing I noticed was the colossal sized statue of a Turkish soldier with his rifle, and he is leaning forward. This was done purposely, as this was how the Soldiers faced the Anzacs coming up the slopes. As well as the graves, there is a statue of the oldest Turkish Gallipoli veteran and his grand-daughter. He died at the age of 108yrs old, in 1994.
Quite a few Turkish school children & other people here.
|
|
Published on Thursday March 31th, 2011
|
|
|
Information: |
Login if you are a member, or sign up for a free membership to rate this report and to earn globo points! |
|
Cambodia |
|
|
 |
Malaysia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Turkey |
|
 |
Vietnam |
|
|
|
|
|
|

|