Guest speaker Damian Gleeson talks of Gallipoli journey

Damian spoke of his emotional journey to Gallipoli for the events marking 100 years since the Anzac landings in 1915.  Damian’s preparations for the trip started back in 2011 when he made a commitment to join a cruise to Gallipoli this year and started his own study of those momentous times in Australia’s history.  His primary source of learning was Peter Fitzsimmons book ‘Gallipoli’.

 

The cruise retraced the original route of the Anzacs, including stops at Albany WA, the Cocos/Keeling Islands, Colombo and Egypt, where the Australian troops trained for their forthcoming campaign.

 

The mission was to seize the Gallipoli peninsula and clear the way for the Royal Navy to capture the Turkish capital of Istanbul.  The Anzacs were directed to land at Gaba Tepe and strike the Sari Bair heights.  The attack was launched on 25 April 1915 but a combination of hostile terrain and ferocious Turkish defense soon stopped any potential advance. In August, the Allies tried to break the deadlock with an assault on Suvla Bay, and diversionary attacks at Helles and at Anzac Cove. At Lone Pine the Anzacs were successful but unable to hold their position and at the Nek the Australians were cut down as they advanced.

 

Damian described his visits to these famous places and the emotions that were evoked by the places and stories of heroism and failure.  A particular highlight was the Anzac Day commemoration, including the dawn service, the ‘gunfire’ breakfast and the visit to the Lone Pine Monument.

 

For Damian this was the experience of a lifetime and one that he recommended that all Australians should ensure they undertake.