Gallipoli 1915 – 2015

Proposal for an exclusive battlefield and pilgrimage tour

26 – 30th October 2015

Gallipoli was the scene of one of the great Allied failures of the First World War. In attempting to take

Turkey out of the war, the assault on the Dardanelles ended in disastrous failure following a campaign

that lasted from April 1915 to January 1916. The campaign saw some 13 British and Empire divisions

involved in a struggle against 20 Turkish divisions, with a total cost of 500,000 casualties.

"Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives…you are now lying in the soil of a friendly

country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us

where they lie side by side here in this country of ours.

You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries wipe away your tears; your sons are

now lying in our bosom and are in peace, after having lost their lives on this land they have become

our sons as well." Kemel Ataturk, 1934

The assault on Scimitar Hill with Suvla Bay in the background

This specially designed five-day Old Boys centenary tour to Gallipoli will visit and examine the main

aspects of the campaign:, the problems of landing against defended beaches at Cape Helles, the

command, control and communication issues, the miracle that was ANZAC, the Turkish perspective,

the conditions at Gallipoli, the Suvla Bay fiasco and discuss whether it was all worthwhile. In particular

we will visit those sites where many ‘Old Boys’ sacrificed their lives, paying respects at their last

resting places and at the Cape Helles monument for those that are still missing.

You guide will be Dr Bruce Cherry, an expert on the First World War and the Gallipoli Campaign. He will be accompanied by an English speaking Turkish guide to add local knowledge and expertise creating an overall cultural experience. The tour will be based out of the four-star Truva Hotel which is situated in the heart of Canakkale on the Asian side of the Dardanelles. Canakkale offers a wealth of local restaurants and bars and promenade walks alongside the Dardanelles. Its location necessitates that we catch the short return ferry crossing (15 minutes) to Kilitbahir each day, which in itself will add to the overall experience.

W Beach – the site of the main landings on Cape Helles

Itinerary

Day 1. Depart from London Heathrow with British Airways at 09:40, arriving Istanbul 15:30. Drive to

Canakkale, stopping for dinner en-route. Check-in to our hotel in Canakkale circa 22:30.

Day 2. This morning we visit the 25th April landing beaches at Cape Helles: X Beach, where the 29th

Division (1st Border, 2nd Royal Fusiliers, 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers) came ashore; W Beach where

the Lancashire Fusiliers won “six VCs before breakfast”; the main landings at V Beach and SS River

Clyde; The Cape Helles memorial, which records the names of the missing; Y Beach and the missed

exploitation. This afternoon we look at the breakout battles for Krithia around ‘The Vineyard’ and

Twelve Trees Copse, the former the axis of the assault by 42nd Div.

Day 3. We start the day at the museum at Gaba Tepe and the memorials at Anzac Cove, where the

Australian 1st and 2nd Divisions came ashore. Climb up to Plugge’s Plateau, scene of fierce fighting,

with its overview of Anzac Cove and key features such as Razor Back and Shrapnel Valley. On to

Lone Pine, where seven VCs were won, and tour many of the front-line Anzac positions, such as

Johnstone’s Jolly and Quinn’s Post. We visit the important sites of the August offensive such Sari

Bair, Walker’s Ridge, the Ghurkhas battle for Hill ‘Q’ and the Nek, the site of the ill-fated attack of the

Australian Light Horse, immortalised in the film ‘Gallipoli’. Return to hotel. This afternoon we drive

along the Asian side of the Dardanelles to visit the ancient city of Troy with its extant towers, gateway,

archaeological remains and replica wooden horse.

Day 4. Drive to beautiful Suvla Bay (via the Embarkation Pier) to examine the landings by 10th and

11th Divisions on 6th August - the baptism of fire for the Kitchener battalions. Follow the failed attempt

to break out at Hill 10, Chocolate Hill and Green Hill and the subsequent struggle for Scimitar Hill.

Finally we shall examine one of the most successful phases of the operation, the evacuation at Suvla

Bay. Return to hotel.

Day 5. An early departure from Canakkale in order to catch our afternoon British Airways flight which

departs from Istanbul at 13:10, arriving London Heathrow at 15:25

Optional extensions

After dropping off the main party, continue to central Istanbul and check in to the five-star Biz Cevahir

Hotel or four-star Celal Sultan (other hotels available upon request) situated in the heart of

Sultanahmet. We can arrange guided tours upon request, but you will find the imperial quarter of

Istanbul including the extraordinary Haghia Sophia, the imperial Topkapi Palace, the graceful Blue

Mosque and the enchanting Grand Bazaar upon your doorstep. Subject to availability we can arrange

return flights on a date of your choosing.

Green Hill Cemetery