Why am I writing a blog about a small peninsula in Turkey?
Lone Pine Cemetery – one of many Commonwealth War Graves in Gallipoli
In 2008 I was lucky enough to visit this remarkable place with other international military colleagues, including two Australians who were there for the first time. Having read a lot about the campaign beforehand and knowing the effect it had on the Australian psyche thereafter, it seems fitting to dedicate a blog to those Aussies (and other Commonwealth soldiers) who died in what was a glorious failure.
It will be an amazing atmosphere in Gallipoli this weekend with 1000s from Australia and New Zealand gathering together, having travelled half way around the world to get a sense of their history that was so violently forged on those shores.
If you are reading this, take a moment to think about the sacrifice those soldiers made for the good of a nation.
AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND: I salute you.
Ade Clewlow MBE 