ANZAC Day Saturday 25th April
It is an important day for Australians. Thus, it marks the anniversary of the First World War fought by Australians and New Zealand Forces.
What does ANZAC stand for?
Namely, the letters ANZAC stand for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. In the same way, the soldiers take pride in the name.
Why is this day special to Australians?
When war broke out in 1914, Australia held federated nation status for only 13 years. An expedition in 1915 deployed Australian and New Zealand soldiers. Specifically, the allies targeted the Gallipoli peninsula to keep the Dardenelles open. Thus, the aim to capture Istanbul (Constantinople) by the ANZAC soldiers.
After, the ANZACS landed on Gallipoli on 25th April 1915. The Turks overwhelmed the ANZACS campaign. Moreover, for eight months it dragged on. Therefore, great losses were suffered on both sides. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers died in the campaign. The Australians remember the sacrifice of those who died in the war on 25th April.
What is my Scottish connection?
My Scottish great-grandfather died on 28th June 1915, in the Dardenelles. My great-grandfather aged 36 years old. He fathered 10 children. He served in the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), 25th Regiment as a private soldier. Namely, The British Army trained the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) as a rifle regiment. They were the only regiment of rifles amongst the Scottish regiments of infantry.
The British Forces included the Royal Navy, The Royal Scots Fusiliers. The King’s Own Scottish Borderers, The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), The Highland Light Infantry, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, The Ayrshire Yeomanry, The Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, The Lanarkshire Yeomanry, The Lovat Scouts Yeomanry, and the Scottish Horse.
Gallipolli Peninsular at Hellespont
I visited the area of Gallipoli in 2015, with my Turkish cousin. Ar first, to see if we could find the memorial stone dedicated to my great-grandfather. Unfortunately, the Turkish Government newly refurbished the memorial stone. Subsequently, under special circumstances I saw my great-grandfather’s name and touch it. After, I dried my tears, when my Turkish guide said some very sincere words of loss to me and my family.
Memorial Service at Edinburgh Castle
In addition to, The Scottish National War Memorial, www.snwm.org or info@snwm.org in Edinburgh Castle, have a memorial service on ANZAC Day, 25th April. Furthermore, the service is organised by The Royal British Legion Scotland. And, members of the public are welcome to attend provided they remain for the whole duration of the ceremony. On the morning of the service, obtain a ticket before the service. The service is at dawn.
If you are interested in finding out more about your own war heroes, go to The National Archives of Scotland www.nas.gov.uk or enquiries@nas.gov.uk
See more information about walks in Argyll at https://www.argyllwalks.co.uk/contact
