Once I remember my father accounting the events in Gallipoli to his friend...

I remember his words to this day...He was one of the eight survivors from his battalion of 800.’

Descendant: Asim Iyidilli

Age: 73

Profession: Teacher (retired)

Nationality: Turkish Australian

Ancestor: Halil Iyidilli (1892–1961)

Relationship to subject: Father 

Profession: Teacher

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: Fifth Army

'I'd like to have known my grandfather better. I was still young when he died. I would love to known his thoughts on war in general and on the Gallipoli and Palestine campaigns in particular as I have read a lot of their history. I suspect he abhorred war and was simply doing his duty. I miss him fondly'.

Descendant: William Eric Hyman

Age: 53

Profession: Teacher

Nationality: Australian

Ancestor: Eric Montague Hyman (c.1885–1964)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Farmer, flour miller

Army: Australian Imperial Force 

Post in Gallipoli: 12th Light Horse Regiment, 4th Brigade

‘This [Turkish] nation united to defend our land in Gallipoli. Battle of Gallipoli showed the Turks what can be achieved with determination, despite limited resources.’ 

Descendant: Birgan Gulez

Age: 85

Profession: -

Nationality: Turkish

Ancestor: Mehmet Sefik Aker (1877–1964)

Relationship to subject: Father

Profession: Soldier

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the 27th Regiment, Fifth Army

My father had a great respect and no animosity towards the Turks but had a near hatred of the British Commander.’

Descendant: Bruce Wallace Kerr McEwan

Age: 78

Profession: Journalist, writer, public relations consultant and TV documentary director (retired)

Nationality: Australian

Ancestor:  Wallace Owen McEwan (1892–1964)

Relationship to subject: Father

Profession: Policeman

Army: Australian Imperial Force 

Post in Gallipoli: 6th Light Horse Regiment

They did not realise the extent of the events they were getting into, and they thought it would be an adventure  . . . They thought they would be back by Christmas.’

Descendant: Cain Gorfine

Age: 35

Profession: Territory manager 

Nationality: Australian

Ancestor: William Joseph Knuckey (1892–1986)

Relationship to subject: Great-grandfather

Profession: Unknown

Army: Australian Imperial Force 

Post in Gallipoli: 5th Infantry Battalion

‘My grandfather used to tell us how during ceasefire they used to throw each other cigarettes and biscuits. Subsequently a friendship was developed between the Turks and the Anzacs. When the ceasefire was over, the people who had exchanged gifts started to again kill each other. I think this is the critical edge!’  

Descendant: Cemal Akgun

Age: 58

Profession: Museum attendant at Ataturk’s House in Bigali, Gallipoli

Nationality: Turkish

Ancestor: Cumali (Cemali) Akgun (1885–1968)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Barber, farmer

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: 3rd Battalion, 27th Regiment, 9th Division, Fifth Army

Having studied the Gallipoli campaign I still struggle to comprehend its foolishness, and the overall incompetence of those in command on the allied side. Visiting Gallipoli and seeing the terrain makes it immediately apparent that the landing was poorly thought out.’

Descendant: Christopher Michael Kelliher Malcolm Stephens

Age: 26

Profession: Property rights analyst 

Nationality: New Zealander

Ancestor: Sir Henry Joseph Kelliher (1896–1991)

Relationship to subject: Great-grandfather

Profession: Hotelier, brewer, philanthropist

Army: New Zealand Expeditionary Force

Post in Gallipoli: Otago Mounted Rifles

One of the things that has always struck me is that, though it is common to demonise an enemy during war, the Turks were called Johnny Turk. This was a very personalised and sort of a friendly description. It probably came from the common experiences and mutual respect shared.’ 

Descendant: Clive Williams

Age: 82

Profession: Psychologist (retired)

Nationality: Australian

Ancestor: Oswald Williams (1886–1938)

Relationship to subject: Father

Profession: Clerk

Army: Australian Imperial Force 

Post in Gallipoli: 9th Battalion

The Turks and the Anzacs were not enemies. They were friends; they fought and remained friends . . . This is the irony.’

Descendant: Erdal Kabatepe

Age: 69

Profession: Civil engineer, city planner

Nationality: Turkish

Ancestor: Ali Faik (1872–1915)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Soldier

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the 1st Battalion, 33rd Regiment, Fifth Army

Gallipoli, for me, simply represents my grandfather and the grandfathers of nations who sacrificed their lives during this war.’ 

Descendant: Ayse Filiz Ergun

Age: 68

Profession: Chemical engineer

Nationality: Turkish

Ancestor: Mehmet Nazif Cakmak (1882–1915)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Soldier

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the 5th Squadron, 64th Regiment, 9th Division, Fifth Army 

‘He went there to fight for his country; he came back after having had both of his legs amputated as a result of injuries he received in battle. This is a hardship no one can prepare themselves for, but he seemed to take it in a “matter of fact” way.’

Descendant: Georgia Whitton

Age: 21

Profession: Student

Nationality: Australian

Ancestor:  Thomas Evan Whitton (1891–1966)

Relationship to subject: Great-grandfather

Profession: Professional runner

Army: Australian Imperial Force 

Post in Gallipoli: 1st Artillery Brigade, 1st Division

‘In his letter to his sweetheart, my grandfather cites a letter they’ve received from the Turkish soldiers written in French, thrown into the Australian trenches:  “Our friends, The Enemy, we received your preserved meat and in return we have sent some tobacco but would appreciate if you could please send some souvenirs and in return we will do the same. Signed: From your soldier friends, the Turks”.’

Descendant: Idris Erle Murphy

Age: 64

Profession: Artist

Nationality: Australian

Ancestor: Idris Charles Pike (1896–1949)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Cabinetmaker

Army: Australian Imperial Force 

Post in Gallipoli: 17th Battalion

I believe the Anzac spirit has the power to unite us and will continue to do so for generations.’

Descendant: Ilknur Lisa Koprululeroglu

Age: 46 

Profession: Administrative assistant

Nationality: Turkish Australian

Ancestor: Hasan Tahsin Koprulu (c.1894–1951)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Judge

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: Fifth Army

‘My great-great- grandfather was 36 years old and the father of four children

when he enlisted . . . he did what he believed was the right thing to do . . .’

Descendant: Isabella Thompson

Age: 20

Profession: Early childhood educator, student

Nationality: Australian

Ancestor: Richard Thompson (1882-1924)

Relationship to subject: Great-great-grandfather

Profession: Unknown

Army: Australian Imperial Force 

Post in Gallipoli: 12th Light Horse Regiment

‘What brought the Anzacs and the Turks together were external forces. After the war, the value of appreciating the peace was born. That is why both sides understand each other and do not consider each other as enemies. The unique bond between these nations was quickly established and was sustained.’ 

‘The common message from all wars, past and present is: “Don't Fight!”’ 

Descendant: Izzettin Calislar

Age: 50

Profession: Writer

Nationality: Turkish

Ancestor: Izzettin Calislar (1883–1951)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Soldier

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: Chief of Staff of the XIX Corps and Anafartalar Group, Fifth Army

‘A blanket of sadness covers Gallipoli Peninsula. It’s familiarity enveloped me as soon as I stepped foot on it, chilling and warm all at once. The fallen soldiers felt so close I thought that perhaps if I turned quickly enough I might catch a glimpse!’

Descendant: Jane Pierard

Age: 40

Profession: Manager

Nationality: New Zealander

Ancestor: William Malone (1859–1915)

Relationship to subject: Great-great grandfather

Profession: Soldier

Army: New Zealand Expeditionary Force

Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the Wellington Infantry Battalion

‘These people sacrificed their lives to protect their loved ones, fighting until their last breath . . .

My grandfather lost his life on 25 April 1915 leaving a young wife and two young children behind.’

Descendant: Kenan Metin Tutuncu

Age: 54

Profession: Manager

Nationality: Turkish

Ancestor: Yusuf Kenan [Gunan] (1881–1915)

Relationship to subject: Great-grandfather

Profession: Soldier

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the 7th Squadron, 2nd Battalion, 26th Regiment, Fifth Army 

‘Both of my grandfathers and my great-grandfather were in Gallipoli.’

Descendant: Lesley Mann

Age: 62

Profession: Manager

Nationality: Australian

Ancestor: Cecil Mann Macdonald (1896–1967)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: He was a journalist for the Bulletin news magazine

Army: Australian Imperial Force 

Post in Gallipoli: 3rd Field Artillery Brigade

‘ . . . I feel, his emotional scars reverberate through generations. I am blessed to be the beneficiary of the dedication of this man, and numerous others of his generation.’ 

Descendant: Mark Garden

Age: 56

Profession: Property development manager

Nationality: Australian

Ancestor: Charles (Charlie) Garden (1894–1967)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Farmer

Army: Australian Imperial Force 

Post in Gallipoli: C Squadron, 8th Light Horse Regiment

When I was a kid I remember asking my grandfather if he shot any enemy soldier knowingly.

“During the first landing they used to come like flies” he answered. “You could shoot the enemy even with your eyes closed”.’

Descendant: Mehmet Kurtdere

Age: 58

Profession: Farmer

Nationality: Turkish

Ancestor: Mehmet Kurtdere (1891-1978)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Farmer

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: 4th Battalion, 27th Regiment, 9th Division, 5th Army

‘Anzacs and Turks established their “nation states” after this war. They sanctified Gallipoli, not other fronts. Paradoxically, an inexplicable bond was established between New Zealand, Australia and Turkey . . .’

Descendant: Prof. Dr. Mensur Akgun

Age: 57

Profession: Lecturer

Nationality: Turkish

Ancestor: Ali Tevfik Varon (1881–1963)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Soldier

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: Fifth Army

‘My grandfather told my father how they did not have enough water to drink during the war and how in desperation they had to drink the fluid from dead horses stomachs.’

Descendant: Muruvet Kayabay

Age: 48

Profession: Painter

Nationality: Turkish

Ancestor: Ahmet Hilmi Kayabay aka Tatar Ahmet (1890–1955)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Coachman

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: Fifth Army

‘My father named my oldest sister, who was born in 1918, Kathleen Dardanelle Peake.’

Descendant: Nancy Mary McDonald

Age: 85

Profession: Infant nurse for Plunket Society, office work administrator (retired)

Nationality: New Zealander

Ancestor: John William Peake (1885–1950)

Relationship to subject: Father

Profession: Farmer

Army: New Zealand Expeditionary Force

Post in Gallipoli: 16th (Waikato) Company, Auckland Infantry Battalion

‘I’m proud of the way Turkey treats it’s enemies . . . the fact that we’re close friends today speaks volumes. In two generations we’ve gone to from enemies to friends. I think Ataturk’s words set the whole tone.’

Descendant: Nigel Pilkington

Age: 60

Profession: Company director (PR), Vice President of Skål International

Nationality: New Zealander

Ancestor: Ronald Frank Pilkington (1893-1986)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Farmer

Army: New Zealand Expeditionary Force

Post in Gallipoli: 3rd Battalion, 1st Otago Regiment

‘During Istanbul’s occupation by the Allied Powers, my dad escaped from Istanbul to Ankara by train dressed as a sheep merchant to join Ataturk’s forces for the liberation of Turkey.’

Descendant: Ozcan Alpat

Age: 85

Profession: –

Nationality: Turkish

Ancestor: Huseyin Servi (c.1892 – unknown)

Relationship to subject: Father

Profession: Cartographer

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: Fifth Army

‘My grandfather, in order to inspire and encourage the soldiers under his command, always stood at the front and led them. For this reason he was often wounded.’

Descendant: Serdar Halis Ataksor

Age: 58

Profession: Civil servant (retired)

Nationality: Turkish

Ancestor: Halis Ataksor (1876-1933)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Soldier

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the 3rd Battalion, 27th Regiment, Fifth Army

‘I’m very proud of my family history – the fact that my grandfather survived the horrors of Gallipoli and then France before being gassed, and then later to experience the loss of all 3 sons in WWII. That is real sacrifice.’

Descendant: Sue Sarantos

Age: 65

Profession: Self-employed, pastoral assistant

Nationality: Australian

Ancestor: Walter Herbert Eddison (1877-1965)

Relationship to subject: Grandfather

Profession: Farmer

Army: Australian Imperial Force

Post in Gallipoli: 6th Light Horse Regiment

‘My father attended the Anzac Day march every year. The medals would be taken out and polished, the suit would be pressed, and shoes would be polished.’

Descendant: Sue Welman

Age: 70

Profession: Teacher (retired)

Nationality: Australian

Ancestor: Philip Henry Ward (1895–1964)

Relationship to subject: Father

Profession: Sheepshearer, electrician

Army: Australian Imperial Force 

Post in Gallipoli: 3rd Battalion

‘My dad used to tell me how brave and gentlemanly the Anzacs fought against us (the Turks). When the flag was up everyone ceased fire to collect the wounded and dead. It was very gentlemanly.’

Descendant: Sevket Tokdogan

Age: 82

Profession: Bus driver (retired)

Nationality: Turkish-Australian

Ancestor: Ahmet Tokdogan (1888-1977)

Relationship to subject: Father 

Profession: Turkish National Intelligence Officer

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: 57th Regiment, Fifth Army

‘It was a tragic, badly planned, courageous event and was the birthplace of a nation’s identity. Personally, I am extremely proud that both of my great grandfathers served their country, showing leadership, and compassion for others and survived to return to their loved families . . .’

Descendant: Tania Prowle and Ethan

Age: 37 and 2

Profession: Teacher

Nationality: Australian

Ancestor: Harry Topp (1892-1986)

Relationship to subject: Great-grandfather

Profession: Farmer

Army: Australian Imperial Force 

Post in Gallipoli: 2nd Light Horse Regiment

‘There was a famous Turkish saying hanging on our wall at home. It read: “Don’t be a slave, be free!” My father said he wanted to teach us how bad captivity is and the importance of freedom.’

Descendant: Timsal Karabekir

Age: 73

Profession: -

Nationality: Turkish

Ancestor:  Kazim Karabekir (1882–1948)

Relationship to subject: Father

Profession: Soldier

Army: Ottoman Army

Post in Gallipoli: Commander of the 14th Infantry Division, Fifth Army

‘When he came back, some kids let firecrackers off in our street . . . my father nearly died! My mum had him sit in the gutter to recover. They were very frail when they came back.’

Descendant: Jeanette Kate Rembowski

Age: 93

Profession: Bookkeeper, records officer (retired)

Nationality: Australian

Ancestor: William Henry Hodson (1888–1946)

Relationship to subject: Father 

Profession: Master bricklayer

Army: Australian Imperial Force 

Post in Gallipoli: 2nd Infantry Battalion