Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train diary
14 May 2012 by Kerrie Leech.
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Collection,Family history,New acquisitions,News,Personal Stories
Last month, the Memorial was delighted to accept a Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train (RANBT) diary, donated by Mr Martin Smee of Port Elliot, South Australia. Mr Smee made the trip to Canberra to personally deliver the diary, which has been part of his family’s valuable family history for many years. The diary was written by his grandfather, Able Seaman Driver Laurie John Smee. Born in South Australia, Laurie ran away to sea when just 17. After serving on various merchant ships and making his way to England, he joined the Royal Navy and served on several British ships before returning to Australia to join the newly formed RANBT in March 1915.
The RANBT was being prepared to work as an engineering unit on the Western Front but in August 1915 was diverted to the Gallipoli Peninsula to work with British troops. Here the 300 men of the RANBT were based at Kangaroo Beach and operated the wharves that all men and supplies were landed across. They also carried out a wide range of other engineering duties and were under constant shell fire; four men died and another 60 wounded during their five months on the Peninsula. The Bridging Train then served in the Middle East, operating the bridges over the Suez Canal, from February 1916 until May 1917 when the unit was disbanded.
Laurie Smee's original diary kept in a rubberised pouch PR04710This has been a sorrowful day for all hands. At 6am the Turkish battery opened fire on our camp from Byuk Anafarta which played havoc with our men. We had 3 injured and one CPO killed outright. it was a pitiful sight for one to see. We were all dodging schrapnels and liddite when one fell in a dugout where the said CPO was sitting mourning over the sad news of his brother being killed when a shell burst and took his head clean off also his right hand and knee…
Laurie Smee's diary PR04710The weather is bitterly cold and the dugouts and timber is coated with snow but there is another sight that I am about to relate that looks awful. During Sunday night the rain fell in torrents and on top of that came the snow which naturally put everything to a standstill for the time being. And during the day 2000 men, Infantry, Mountain Battalions, Royal Engineers, etc have been suffering something awful as the first, second, and reserve trenches are overflowing with water. And the men remained in them until 7pm Monday, when they received orders to retire. Those that had the strength to crawl or drag themselves out did so. The remainder had to remain in the trench frozen to their rifles and consequently to death. And if one could see the poor wretches standing in water up to their armpits and frozen as they stand. It is possible even now (Tuesday) to walk from one end of the trench to the other and see the lads in dozens standing up but not counting those that are underneath the ice which is 6-8 inches thick throughout.
The RANBT left the Peninsula in December 1915. After serving in the Middle East, Laurie Smee returned to Australia in July 1917.
Laurie’s original diary is accompanied by a typed transcript which Martin had attempted to compile many years ago. In 2008 he made contact with Commander Greg Swinden, a naval historian, and with his help the transcript was completed. The eventual donation of the diary and transcript to the Memorial is due in no small part to the assistance and efforts of Commander Swinden.
Prior to this donation, the Memorial only had one other personal diary from the RANBT. By donating his grandfather’s diary to the Memorial, Martin Smee has not only ensured that it will be preserved for future generations to read, but he has also provided the opportunity for further research into the history of the RANBT. The diary is held as PR04710.
Official war artist to join NORFORCE
10 May 2012 by Alex Torrens.
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News
Tony AlbertThe artist Tony Albert visited the Australian War Memorial this week in preparation for his commission as the Memorial’s official artist attached to the North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE).
Albert will be issued with uniform and field equipment on his arrival in Darwin, and then join a group of new recruits on an intensive two-week training course, so that he can observe what it takes to be a soldier in this unique and vital Australian Defence Force unit. The training involves weapons handling, navigation, bush survival, and signalling – everything to ensure the unit can operate safely and efficiently when out on patrol across the isolated coastline of Northern Australia.
Albert is in town to oversee the installation of his work at the National Gallery of Australia as one of twenty artists exhibiting in unDisclosed: 2nd National Indigenous Art Triennial. He was keen to find out more about NORFORCE’s origins in the Second World War.
NORFORCE was formed in 1981, but traces its history to the 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit, known as “the Nackeroos”. They were formed seventy years ago this week, on 11 May 1942, in the face of the threat of Japanese invasion.
Albert has his own family history of service. His grandfather Edward “Eddie” Albert enlisted in 1940 and served in the Middle East before becoming a prisoner of war. His grandfather’s service and post-war experience as an Indigenous returned serviceman have been an ongoing source of inspiration for Albert.
Reports of Proceedings: The Tobruk Ferry and HMAS Waterhen
09 May 2012 by Theresa Cronk.
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Collection,From the collection,News
The ongoing project to digitise AWM78 Reports of Proceedings, HMA Ships and Establishments has now reached 46 341 images. The reports of proceedings for seventy-nine ships are now available on the Memorial’s website. This includes all of the destroyers employed in the Tobruk Ferry. Some of the ships that were later involved with the Tobruk Ferry, HMAS Parramatta and HMAS Yarra, have also been digitised. These files can be viewed online here.
May 1941 saw the commencement of the Tobruk Ferry Service to transport troops, supplies and ammunition between Alexandria and Tobruk. The Tobruk Ferry employed the destroyers of the 10th Flotilla (HMAS Stuart, HMAS Vampire, HMAS Vendetta, HMAS Voyager and HMAS Waterhen). Other Mediterranean ships also became involved from August 1941.
Running to a regular routine, the service began on 5th May 1941 with a successful round trip completed by HMAS Waterhen and HMAS Voyager. This voyage was described in Waterhen’s report of proceedings for May 1941. This report illustrates the function of the service as well as the speed of turnarounds:
5th Proceeded in company with “Voyager” to Tobruk with military personnel and stores.
6th Arrived Tobruk at 0230. Sailed for Alexandria at 0430 with military wounded and details being relieved. Arrived Alexandria 1900.
Whilst the ships navigated the distance between points of arrival and departure, it was expected that they would be attacked by the enemy. Sadly, it was these attacks which brought an end to the career of HMAS Waterhen.
Waterhen sailed from Mersa Matruh on her 13th run to Tobruk during the afternoon of 29 June 1941. Weighed down by 50 tons of stores and carrying 70 troops, she was accompanied by HMS Defender who bore a similar cargo. Both ships were attacked by a squadron of 15 dive bombers off the coast near Salum at 7.45pm. The Defender was attacked first but emerged from the encounter unscathed. The first bomb aimed at Waterhen exploded in the water behind her but resulted in the ship becoming unresponsive to the helm. Three more bombs resulted in the flooding of the engine and boiler rooms. The final attack brought damage to the engine room, the engineer’s cabin and the central store. Defender responded to Lieutenant Commander Swain’s decision to abandon ship and came alongside the stricken ship to remove everyone on board.
It was decided Defender would take advantage of nightfall and tow Waterhen into Mersa Matruh before dawn. During the ensuing preparations, the rising moon highlighted a submarine lying nearby. Shells were fired and the submarine crash dived with Defender in pursuit. After losing contact, Defender returned to where Waterhen was waiting and the tow commenced.
By 11pm it was evident that the listing to port was increasing and Swain decided to abandon the tow. Some men had re-boarded the Waterhen for the tow and they were all brought back to Defender where they watched and waited for the ship to sink. At 1.50am on 30 June 1941, the Waterhen, or “Chook” as she was warmly referred to by her crew, rolled over and sank. She was the first ship of the Royal Australian Navy to be lost by enemy action in the Second World War.
Although the official report of proceedings for June 1941 was never filed for Waterhen, having gone down with the ship, anecdotal stories and eye-witness accounts of the event do exist. The sadness of the event is very much evident in the ten pages devoted to the loss of the Waterhen in the diary of Andrew Robert Nation. Lieutenant Commander Ean Lawrence McDonald recalls how he was so engrossed in photographing the incident that he forgot his belongings were going down with the ship. He recounts his experience of retrieving his case of photographs from below deck and laments that he never found the fancy French cakes that he had taken on board. Remarkably, there was only one other casualty – a rating who was struck by a tin of peaches.
More information
Lind, L.J. and Payne, A., Scrap Iron Destroyers: The Story of HMA Ships Stuart, Waterhen, Vampire, Vendetta and Voyager, Garden Island, 1993.
HMAS Waterhen Reports of Proceedings September 1939 – May 1941, Australian War Memorial, AWM78 362/1. Retrieved from: http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/records/awm78/362/awm78-362-1.pdf
Papers of McDonald, Ean Lawrence, (Lieutenant Commander, b: 1918), Australian War Memorial, MSS1081.
Papers of Nation, Andrew Robert (Stoker Petty Officer Mechanic b: 1920), Australian War Memorial, PR00186.
Gill, G Herman, Royal Australian Navy, 1939-1942, Australia in the war of 1939-1945, Series 2 (Navy), vol. 1, Canberra, 1957. Retrieved from: https://www.awm.gov.au/cms_images/histories/24/chapters/11.pdf
ANZAC Day and Gallipoli reflections – Simpson Prize 2012
27 April 2012 by Stuart Baines.
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Battlefield Tours,Simpson Prize 2012
ANZAC Day is a significant point in the trip for everyone. Experiencing the Dawn service for the first time at the Cove is different for everyone and in the context of the whole trip and for us, the intensity of the Gallipoli experience has shaped the day for us all. In many ways we have the best of peninsula, we have had time to walk the ridges and visit the cemeteries virtually alone. It has been a time for reflection and a time for us all to really appreciate the enormity of the task that faced thos e men almost 100 years ago. It was important for the students to understand that this experience was the same for the Ottaman soldiers. They suffered the same as the ANZACS, they lost the young men of a generation, they sacrificed as we did and they respected their foe as we did. The generosity of the Turkish people to accept us on there shores so many years after this invasion and to support and take part in this special day was not lost on any of us.
Stu
The Gallipoli dawn and Lone Pine service did not disappoint despite not being quite emotional as I had hoped. By comparison I felt the cemeteries to be more emotional and proved to give better insight into the importance of individual soldiers, leaders and the Turkish as those who were invaded. Through this experience I have come to the realization that not only are the Turkish a warm and inviting people’s but we as Australians are incredibly lucky to be afforded such hospitality and friendship. I am so grateful for this experience, thank you to the Turkish people.
-Maddy Turnbull
I found the dawn service and the Lone Pine service to be two of the most emotionally impactful experiences of my life. Being involved in the Lone Pine service as a speaker and wreath layer was daunting for me, but I was very humbled to be a part of such a historic and important event. Visiting the memorial to the Turkish 57th Regiment was nearly just as emotional, as it was a fascinating look at the Turkish perspective, and it made me think about how incredibly generous it was of the Turkish to accommodate Australians in such a kind way, when we had been the ones to invade their country 97 years ago. This trip is one of the most amazing and unforgettable experiences I have ever been a part of, and I am incredibly grateful to the War Memorial and the people of Turkey for providing me with this experience.
-Sam O’Connor
Being a part of the Dawn Service at Gallipoli was a truly wonderful experience. I was lucky enough to be a part of the reflective program in the pre dawn service and gave a speech reflecting my thoughts of the ‘ANZAC story’. The overal experience was quite surreal and will definitely stay with me forever. I would however like to say that getting the opportunity to visit the Turkish cemetery (57th Regiment) was a privilege I would wish upon anyone.
-Emily Stewart
Yesterday was definitely one of the most significant days in our trip as, after all, all our efforts so far have been leading to the
understanding of this day. I felt that the Dawn and Lone Pine service were both very appropriate in their commemoration, particularly as the formality of proceedings added a very respectful and honorable tone to the. I was extremely proud to be part of the Lone Pine Service and elated to meet distinguished people such as the PM and VC receiver Ben Robert Smith.
-Eleanor Lau
Overall, when reflecting upon the last few days, it can be concluded that ANZAC day was an emotional, awe-inspiring experience. To stand upon the soil on which the soldiers fought and died, to walk amongst the cemeteries, and to witness dawn at the ANZAC commemorative site, was certainly a special part of my life that will remain with me forever. The atmosphere, pre-dawn on ANZAC morning, felt as if you were part of the landscape as you absorbed the service. I was also privileged to present a short speech regarding my Anzac reflections as part of the dawn service reflective program. As we returned to the hotel, I was humbled by the fact that I actually had the opportunity to personally witness ANZAC Day at Gallipoli.
- Taylor Joppich
ANZAC Day here at Gallipoli was a very touching service. To be on the ground where Australian soldiers once stood and died almost 100 years ago made me reflect more deeply than ever of the sacrifice the young soldiers made. Some activities that we undertook, such as sleeping throught the night before the Dawn Service and walking from ANZAC Cove to Lone Pine were quite difficult and at times frustrating, but looking back, this was nothing compared to the life the soldiers at Gallipoli undertook every single day. Lest We Forget.
- Andrew Tran
The last 24 hours have certainly been the most tiring of our trip thus far! I found both services deeply emotional, though some moments were particularly poignant. I was moved to tears when the Turkish veterans waved at the crowd at the beginning of the Lone Pine service, and also when the sun emerged above cliffs surrounding ANZAC cove. It was also a great honour (although very stressful) to be able to speak at Lone Pine, and meet the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and the Victoria Cross winner, Ben Robert-Smith. It has been a very thought-provoking and, at times, confronting experience, and has forced me to think about the true meaning of the ANZAC story for both Australians and Turks, and about the nature of our commemorations.
- Phyllida Yum-Yum Behm
97 years later, and we all sit, tired and shivering among thousands of other Australians at the Dawn Service, Anzac Cove. A few hours later, and we are participating in the Lone Pine Ceremony among, once again, thousands of boisterous, patriotic Aussies, Julia Gillard, Turkish War Veterans, Ben Robert-Smith and many other VIPS. The line between commemoration and celebration was, unfortunately, smudged, as chorus’ of “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi” split the air, Mexican waves and waves of the Australian Flag began. Although both services were incredibly moving, thought provoking and will remain one of the most influential and emotional experiences of my life, I honestly thought that spending time at the individual cemetery’s, and the brief visit to the Turkish War Memorial remained more moving then the two said ceremony’s. With that said, however, it was absolutely incredible to partake and witness such a nationaly important services and numerous aspects of both, moved me to tears. Lest We Forget.
- Jess Walch
Rather than cover the same topics as everyone else, I thought I would share a story from ANZAC Day that I found more moving than the services we participated in. We were having dinner at our hotel on the evening of ANZAC Day when we were approached by a gentleman who saw the Simpson Prize sign on our table. He wanted to let us know that after the Dawn Service, while the rest of us were trudging up artillery road, a young couple approached him to ask whether he knew how to get to the 4th Battalion Parade ground cemetery was. Being a nice man, he took them the back way up Shrapnel Valley to avoid the masses on the main road. The young woman was looking for her relative who is buried there, a young man called Thornton. We had stopped there three days previously and told the students Thornton’s story and left behind a laminated copy of his photo and some information. She was moved to tears that our group had stopped to pay our respects to her relative. For me this is what made that day special, that in a small way our actions had made ANZAC Day special for that couple.
Heather
Suvla Bay – Simpson Prize 2012
25 April 2012 by Stuart Baines.
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Battlefield Tours,Simpson Prize 2012
Today we took the time for another Simpson Prize First and another first for me. We made our way to Suvla Bay and walked the ridge on the northern side of the salt lake. It was a rugged climb upwards, our legs and arms being ripped at and grazed from the sharp foliage and thorns. Pulling our selves upwards over the rocks and pushing endlessly through the scrub we finally reached the ridge. It was every bit worth the cuts and grazes. The view was amazing in every direction. Hidden green meadows peeked through the scrub scarcely visible before, costal cliffs and ocean views, rocky outcrops and all dominated by the islands of Imbros and Samathrace rising out of the water on the horizon. Looking to the south we could see the site of the British landings, another element of the August offensive and as we walked along the ridge we passed trenches and guard posts. It was an interesting walk and for the whole 8kms there was new sights to see.
The afternoon is rest time as we prepare for the cold of the dawn service, we have all stolen moments of sleep, well most of us anyway and we are trying to decide just how cold it might get.
Stu
Today was a comparatively ‘short’ day consisting mainly of the long walk along the coastal ridge, however we also paid visits to a British and Turkish cemetery (Hill Green and Jandarm Memorial) before the hike and a mixed Commonwealth site (Hill 60) afterwards.The British and Commonwealth cemeteries were similar in appearance as they were all designed by the Commonwealth War Grave Comission, but the unfamiliar details of names and regiments gave me the distinct feeling that we were there more to respect than mourn the equally painful loss of other nations. As each one of these buried men were equal in nature as human beings it is comforting to know that they are all remembered and honoured, and are lying close together just as they fought together.
We were all eager for the hike that we had voted for the day before, spurred on by promises of undisrupted mountain areas perfossil for fossicking- which apparently is a legitimate alternative to the word prospecting (in our case for small historic remnants such as rum jug pieces and shrapnel). As usual, Ozgur’s word delivered and particularly during the last length where we strayed off/completely lost the formal path and had to wander through the bush in a confused attempt to find our way down, we found quite a collection of broken rum jugs, suspected pieces of jam tin bombs and even a button. I had no clue what the army button said, but it looked very old and sometimes that’s all that’s necessary to be intriguing.
As Stuart mentioned the view was quite truly spectacular- there were no buildings in site to distract from the natural geen, blue and brown landscape of Gallipoli and its dramatic cliffs that we non-geographers are still bewildered by the formation of. However even the view could not counter the fact that we had walked for 4 whole hours and now that I come to think of it, the hilarious event that occurred afterwards may have been accounted to that.
Beforehand I must apologize for including yet another Phyllie-based source of laughter, however that is because we are all very grateful for the lovable Phyllie and all her memorable acts that have occurred so far that just couldn’t go without being ‘in the blog’. So as I mentioned, we were heading to Hill 60 through a path in between two tall fields of yellow and red flowers when Phyllie decided to prance into the fields (partly challenged by Stuart), however when Ozgur mentioned his previous sighting of a fox, she swiftly lept back towards us and disappeared into the ground doing so. She had fallen face down into a ditch(trench to be dramatic) and remained laughing into the ground for a good few minutes while we were partly concerned over her welfare while laughing our heads of at the same time.
Currently we are preparing for the big morning tomorrow and I can feel the fizzle of nervous and excited energy from everyone waiting for these last few ‘calm before the storm’ hours to pass by. Hopefully we all get through the next 12 hours without freezing, dehydrating, fainting or any combination of the three!
Eleanor
Preparing for ANZAC Day – Simpson Prize 2012
24 April 2012 by Stuart Baines.
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Battlefield Tours,Simpson Prize 2012
As we do each year, we have a day that becomes devoted to the rehearsal for the ceremonial activity on the 25th. It is a chance for our friends at DVA to put the kids through their paces and of course an opportunity for journalists to speak to the kids. So far the studnets have been interviewed for all the major netwroks and it is great to see that people are showing and interest in the perspective of our youth in regard to the campaign and the significance today.
The Simpson prize students play an important part in the ceremonies at Lone Pine and in the lead up to the dawn service. Hopefully you might spy them on TV. Of course in and around this we are still touring the site and exploring that experience we have come here to understand. One of the most important parts of the trip is the cruise along the Agean in order to see the cove from the water. It gives great context for us all and allows the students to get a sense of what it would have been like slowly cruising into this unknown beach in a foreign land. The sheer enormity of what those first ANZAC troops had to do was not lost on the students and as we got closer to the beach the size of the hills and ridges in front of them was plain to see. Of course they were not getting of that easily, I made them walk another ridge in the NZ section in the afternoon. It is all, of course, about following in their footsteps and experiencing as the ANZACS did.
Stu
Today, the eighth day of our Turkish experience, was considered to be an easier day compared to those previously endured.
After leaving the Kum at 8:30 we travelled to GabaTepe wharf where we boarded a ferry in which we cruised along the Aegean coastline. The purpose of this cruise was to retrace the route taken by the original ANZACs on the morning of the 25th of april 1915, and gain an understanding of the location of various attractions. Stu expertly highlighted the location of sights such as Beach Cemetery, the Sphinx and Lone Pine. Whilst aboard the boat, we all had the chance to introduce ourselves to a brisbane youth choir who are performing at the both Anzac commemorative services. Overall, such an experience enhanced the entire group’s contextual understanding regarding the landing as we saw first hand the extreme terrain that faced the diggers as they arrived upon the peninsula.
With the conclusion of our break (lunch back at the Kum), we drove to Lone Pine where we spent the next two hours at the Lone Pine service rehearsal. Phyllie, Maddy, Sam, Eleanor and Jess proceeded to rehearse their respective roles they will undertake on Anzac day. Next on the itinerary was a short visit to the New Zealand memorial at Chunuk Bair, followed by a hike to the bottom of Rhododendron Ridge, the track frequently used by New Zealand troops during the campaign. Although the track consisted mostly of a downhill hike, there were sections where we were required to negotiate the rocky, untrustworthy trail uphill. Let me tell you from experience…don’t trust any of the trail steps (seriously, the first log step I stepped on collapsed beneath me). Towards the end of the trail, as morale was weakening and legs were tiring, Jess ingeniously began to play invigorating music on her I-phone. This certainly ensured that all of us made it to the end of the walk injury free!
On the return trip to the Kum hotel, we had to make an emergency stop at a roadside toilet in order to please Phyllie (do you all get my drift?) We all agreed that it was the fastest we had ever witnessed her run as she leapt off the bus yelling “de-bus, de-bus, de-bus”!
At 7:30 Andrew, Emily, Jo, Liz, Ozgur and I travelled to the Anzac commemorative sight in order to rehearse for our reflective speech which we will read on Anzac eve. Currently, we are gathered around a table in the Kum hotel bar/cafe cosy and warm, chatting excitedly and playing cards…gule-gule!
Taylor Joppich
In their own words : ANZACs of the Western Front
23 April 2012 by Stephanie Boyle.
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Collection Highlights,From the collection,News,Personal Stories, ANZAC, Film, First World War, oral history, Western Front
In Their Own Words : ANZACs of the Western Front
This presentation of WW1 film, together with voices of WW1 veterans, was produced by the Australian War Memorial’s film and sound curators. The footage and original oral history recordings are part of the rich film and sound collections of the Australian War Memorial.
The Memorial holds many oral history stories of the Great War; these are stories of veterans who survived to record their stories of the war years leading up to Armistice and beyond. These stories are a fascinating insight into the minds of a previous generation, revealing not only how campaigns were fought, but also the realities of war at an individual level, deeply personalising the Australian history of war with humour and with tears.
Some recordings were conducted by Memorial staff, while a few are memoirs, recorded by the veterans themselves.
Most of Australia’s WW1 Western Front footage was shot by official photographers, such as Sir Hubert Wilkins, Herbert Baldwin and Captain Frank Hurley. It was their role to capture an authentic record of Australians in WW1. However, it was virtually impossible for a cameraman of the early 20th Century to take his camera, (large and unwieldy by today’s standards), into the active front line. Some footage — men leaping from a trench and across the wire, for example – had to be staged by arrangement of the cameraman. Nevertheless, it is to these talented and courageous cameramen we owe this captivating glimpse of Australians long gone, and the conditions under which they lived and fought.
For more information about the Memorial’s film and sound collections see www.awm.gov.au/collection/film and www.awm.gov.au/collection/sound
Ancient ruins and a navy perspective – Simpson Prize 2012
23 April 2012 by Stuart Baines.
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Battlefield Tours,Simpson Prize 2012
Well Andrew has written a fantastic entry below so there isn’t much need for me to say much. It is a day in the itinerary that is something to look forward to, especially for the ancient history buffs amongst us. For me, the most poignant moment of the day is the ferry on the morning as we travel the narrows the almost impenetrable small stretch of water that the allies so desperately tried to break for the entire campaign. I always get a buzz to drift across the narrows with Kilit Biahir fort and it’s love heart shape dominating one side and slowly chugging towards the town on the other side. I am cherish every moment that I spend with these kids, they are engaged and interested and I hope that some of what I say can hopefully inspire the passion that I have in this Australian story.
Stu
After an already exhausting journey yesterday, we were to embark on another long day, this time opposite the Darndenelles on the asian side. Although the day had just started, I was already exhausted, despite having an early night.
Our first destination was the ruins of Troy. Reading, watching or hearing about the fabled city of Troy at school was nothing compared to actually being on the site, seeing the crumbling, ancient stone walls that once stood tall and might thousands of years ago . The city was, as Fred (Ozgur) expertly yet hilariously described it, like a birthday cake, with layers of sponge, cream, chocolate, fruit etc. and that we were looking at the cake when the party was over, which I completely believe is true.
Our group then travelled up to the Dardanos Battery that offered a beautiful view of the Dardenelles as well as Canakkale below. Here Stuart explained the naval campaign at Gallipoli in detail, but it was rather difficult to hear and concentrate as a strong wind blew, freezing my exposed skin. Again it was difficult to imagine such a different scene to what I was given; the smell of smoke, the sights of massive battleships cruising the narrows below and the boom of cannons and explosions surrounding the landscape.
After lunch we went to the Canakkale Naval Museum. Like most other military museums, the old fort which was used as the museum contained old relics from a forgotten time. To me nothing here away particularly too interesting, but I got to experience part of the war from the Turkish perspective. At least we were given free time to wander the city Canakkale afterwards, which was a good time to breathe fresh air instead of the stale air inside the museum.
Again another exhausting day. Again a new experience. Before I left for this trip I had never thought that Turkey would be so special, that Turkey was just another country on the other side of the world. I was very wrong. I will never forget the time I spend here in Turkey and will cherish the memories forever.
Andrew
Walking in the footsteps of the ANZACs
22 April 2012 by Stuart Baines.
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Battlefield Tours,Simpson Prize 2012
Today was our big day on the peninsula. We began by a walk along ANZAC cove I wasn’t sure what to expect, it was difficult to connect the tiny beach we walked along with the photos that I have seen from the time.
We then went to Shrapnel Valley cemetery which was very peaceful and beautiful and with the Judas trees in flower and the nightingales singing it was amazing to think that this place once saw such horrıfıc conflict. While we were there we had the first of our presentations by the students and teachers. In all sıx of the students presented well researched and heartfelt personal stories ın the various cemeteries we visited.
Our guides Ozgur and Stuart had more fun than they have had in a long time leading us on a walk that neither had done before up Shrapnel Valley to 4th Battalıon Parade Ground Cemetery. They both insisted that we were never really lost, they just needed to find the right path. The walk was such a fantastic way to see the area from a different perspective, and to get an small understanding of the experiences of the ANZAC’s.
Talking with the students today has been extremely rewarding, and they have been asking thoughtful questions and very rewarding to see that glimmer of understanding and empathy that comes from walking the same tracks and standing in the sames places as those diggers in 1915.
Heather
Ab initio of our visit to Beach Cemetery again, I was struck by the profound emotions which had overwhelmed the group and myself upon our first experience there. Today we have been privileged to truly realise the abiding legacy of the ANZACs in a small way for what they were. I can now say having had this experience that without having known the men which fought for my country, that they were loved and missed with such abound acquity that one can’t help but find themselves encompassed by the emotions, sadness, pride and humbled empathy that is attached to realising the hardships that the ANZACs faced.
Such hardships were impressed upon us by our trek from Shrapnel Valley to the 4th Battalion Parade Ground Cemetery. This trek hot, long and produced numerous abrasions as we traversed the shrubbery, thorns, pine needle, branches along an absolutely abtruse so called “path” interwined somewhere along the hills and bush we crossed. The experience needless to say was intensive and my hiking boots definitely came in handy, but most of all the experience if nothing gave all the Simpsonites an insight into how fortunate we are. I cannot begin to imagine the logisitical problems involved with their passage through the mountains and hills. We walked the terrain the soldiers of all sides endured so regularly and we did it unencumbered by stores and equipment. Such logistical problems the ANZACs would have encountered during the Gallipoli campaign were transportation of various fresh foods needed in order to sustain themselves, among such foods was bread (baked at Imbros), meat, vegetables and fruits. Other objects dragged up the hills were artillery, ammunition and water tanks. These supplies were vital to their survival, however diseases such as enteric fever and typhoid which dominated the casualties (approximately 1/3 of those which served during the Gallipoli campaign) were worsened by the lack of water provisions available to the soldiers as they evaded fire whilst collecting supplies. The soldiers also transported their water in kerosene tins, leaving green unsanitary water of which these brave men were rationed with about 750ml’s of water each day. To live in such conditions seems entirely alien to me and survive has the sacrafice made here. We are so fortunate, peace is such a sacred and important aspect of our lives and I am ashamed to say that I haven’t recognised just how much sooner. So thank you to those I never met, who fought on my and my families behalf.
The feelings I now summarise are something that you have to experience to truly understand, to be afforded a glimpse into the lives of so many fallen is an honour. I cannot begin to express what saddens one is faced with as they read the epitaphs embedded into the graves of the ANZACs. From the lengthy epitaphs that consume you with emotion such as “could I just clasp your hand once more just to say well done” and “There are many heroes in this world but there is one hero in my heart” to the simple powerful words of “From Mother and Dad”.
I have never been so moved in my life, so to all who have not yet visited Gallipoli it is imperative that you do.
Until next time Guele Guele
Maddy Turnbull.
The first taste of Gallipoli – 2012
21 April 2012 by Stuart Baines.
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Today we left the charms of the beautiful old city of Istanbul …. and yes the allure of the Bazaar……. and headed to Gallipoli to see the real reason for our journey for the first time. The feeling as we travelled down was exciting, exciting for the kids to see something so new and so meaningful and exciting for me to finally get my chance to hopefully inspire these fine young people as I had been inspired by the War Memorial and then at the peninsula. The trip seemed to fly by pretty quickly. We checked into the Kum Hotel and eagerly awaited our chance to start the journey. we scoffed down lunch and for the first time the whole group was waiting at the bus before the driver and our Turkish guide. Driving the short trip along the coast to the first cemetery of the visit was amazing and the kids chattered away in the back of the bus awaiting this special moment. For me the site never fails to impress and as we stepped onto beach cemetery I saw the emotion and sheer enormity of the whole experience written on the faces of all of the students. I know the feeling of that first impact and it is unforgettable.
Stu
Merhaba,
Soppy love songs from Stu, and Turkish rap from Ozgur were the main forms of entertainmnet during our 4 hour journey from Istanbul to Gallipoli, and the bundle of emotions we were all experiencing were overwhelming, to say the least. The feeling of excitement, nerves and anticipation for what was to come, were expressed via numerous means, whether by excercising our vocal cords, dabbling with interpretive Turkish Dance or cheerfully waving to every passerby…
Although the roadtrip proved to be amusing and a great source of Stu jokes, as well as much needed rest, in this scenario it was the destination, not the journey, that mattered most.
Arriving at Beach Cemerty, all voices dropped to a whisper and we all waited eagerly to “debus”, as Ozgur would say, and confront first hand, an aspect of a campaign we had been learning about for years. It was breath taking really, and it was only when looking at each individual grave, that we were all finally able to understand the impact that, not just the Gallipoli Campaign, but war in its entirety, has on mankind generation after generation. The experience was dampened only slightly by the media who were desperate for a story. It was emotion they were after, and emotion they would get, as they certainly didn’t hesitate to ask the most confronting of questions.
Having seen Beach Cemetery, walking through Shrapnel Valley and up
Pluggee’s was like participating in a story when you already knew the ending (props to Philli). The looming cliff faces, the unforgiving bush… It was almost textbook perfect… Yet where we encountered scratches they (ANZACS) encountered death, and the full meaning of this was incredibly hard to grasp. So hard was it to not take our guides for granted, to not complain about the steepiness of a hill or the whipping of the wind…In 1915, when the ANZACS first arrived, they had no clearly signed paths to follow, no informative and well-educated guides, and certainliy no protection from the wind, and it was this aspect that did not appear as strongly as others.
Today proved to be a magnificent introduction to the actual Gallipoli Campaign, a very moving experience also. Speaking on behalf of the group, I can’t wait to see what is still to come.
En sevdigim hayvan maymundur.
Guele guele.
Jess
